6 U.S.C. § 124k (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 1: HOMELAND SECURITY ORGANIZATION / Subchapter II: INFORMATION ANALYSIS / Section 124k: Interagency Threat Assessment and Coordination Group
Interagency Threat Assessment and Coordination Group
Status: in_force

(a) In general

To improve the sharing of information within the scope of the information sharing environment established under section 485 of this title with State, local, tribal, and private sector officials, the Director of National Intelligence, through the program manager for the information sharing environment, in coordination with the Secretary, shall coordinate and oversee the creation of an Interagency Threat Assessment and Coordination Group (referred to in this section as the "ITACG").

(b) Composition of ITACG

The ITACG shall consist of—

(1) an ITACG Advisory Council to set policy and develop processes for the integration, analysis, and dissemination of federally-coordinated information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information; and

(2) an ITACG Detail comprised of State, local, and tribal homeland security and law enforcement officers and intelligence analysts detailed to work in the National Counterterrorism Center with Federal intelligence analysts for the purpose of integrating, analyzing, and assisting in the dissemination of federally-coordinated information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information, through appropriate channels identified by the ITACG Advisory Council.

(c) Responsibilities of Secretary

The Secretary, or the Secretary's designee, in coordination with the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center and the ITACG Advisory Council, shall—

(1) create policies and standards for the creation of information products derived from information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information, that are suitable for dissemination to State, local, and tribal governments and the private sector;

(2) evaluate and develop processes for the timely dissemination of federally-coordinated information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information, to State, local, and tribal governments and the private sector;

(3) establish criteria and a methodology for indicating to State, local, and tribal governments and the private sector the reliability of information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information, disseminated to them;

(4) educate the intelligence community about the requirements of the State, local, and tribal homeland security, law enforcement, and other emergency response providers regarding information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information;

(5) establish and maintain the ITACG Detail, which shall assign an appropriate number of State, local, and tribal homeland security and law enforcement officers and intelligence analysts to work in the National Counterterrorism Center who shall—

(A) educate and advise National Counterterrorism Center intelligence analysts about the requirements of the State, local, and tribal homeland security and law enforcement officers, and other emergency response providers regarding information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information;

(B) assist National Counterterrorism Center intelligence analysts in integrating, analyzing, and otherwise preparing versions of products derived from information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information that are unclassified or classified at the lowest possible level and suitable for dissemination to State, local, and tribal homeland security and law enforcement agencies in order to help deter and prevent terrorist attacks;

(C) implement, in coordination with National Counterterrorism Center intelligence analysts, the policies, processes, procedures, standards, and guidelines developed by the ITACG Advisory Council;

(D) assist in the dissemination of products derived from information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information, to State, local, and tribal jurisdictions only through appropriate channels identified by the ITACG Advisory Council;

(E) make recommendations, as appropriate, to the Secretary or the Secretary's designee, for the further dissemination of intelligence products that could likely inform or improve the security of a State, local, or tribal government, (including a State, local, or tribal law enforcement agency) or a private sector entity; and

(F) report directly to the senior intelligence official from the Department under paragraph (6);

(6) detail a senior intelligence official from the Department of Homeland Security to the National Counterterrorism Center, who shall—

(A) manage the day-to-day operations of the ITACG Detail;

(B) report directly to the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center or the Director's designee; and

(C) in coordination with the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and subject to the approval of the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, select a deputy from the pool of available detailees from the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the National Counterterrorism Center;

(7) establish, within the ITACG Advisory Council, a mechanism to select law enforcement officers and intelligence analysts for placement in the National Counterterrorism Center consistent with paragraph (5), using criteria developed by the ITACG Advisory Council that shall encourage participation from a broadly representative group of State, local, and tribal homeland security and law enforcement agencies; and

(8) compile an annual assessment of the ITACG Detail's performance, including summaries of customer feedback, in preparing, disseminating, and requesting the dissemination of intelligence products intended for State, local and tribal government (including State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies) and private sector entities.

(d) Membership

The Secretary, or the Secretary's designee, shall serve as the chair of the ITACG Advisory Council, which shall include—

(1) representatives of—

(A) the Department;

(B) the Federal Bureau of Investigation;

(C) the National Counterterrorism Center;

(D) the Department of Defense;

(E) the Department of Energy;

(F) the Department of State; and

(G) other Federal entities as appropriate;

(2) the program manager of the information sharing environment, designated under section 485(f) of this title, or the program manager's designee; and

(3) executive level law enforcement and intelligence officials from State, local, and tribal governments.

(e) Criteria

The Secretary, in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence, the Attorney General, and the program manager of the information sharing environment established under section 485 of this title, shall—

(1) establish procedures for selecting members of the ITACG Advisory Council and for the proper handling and safeguarding of products derived from information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information, by those members; and

(2) ensure that at least 50 percent of the members of the ITACG Advisory Council are from State, local, and tribal governments.

(f) Operations

(1) In general

Beginning not later than 90 days after August 3, 2007, the ITACG Advisory Council shall meet regularly, but not less than quarterly, at the facilities of the National Counterterrorism Center of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

(2) Management

Pursuant to section 3056(f)(E) 1 of title 50, the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, acting through the senior intelligence official from the Department of Homeland Security detailed pursuant to subsection (d)(6),2 shall ensure that—

(A) the products derived from information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information, prepared by the National Counterterrorism Center and the ITACG Detail for distribution to State, local, and tribal homeland security and law enforcement agencies reflect the requirements of such agencies and are produced consistently with the policies, processes, procedures, standards, and guidelines established by the ITACG Advisory Council;

(B) in consultation with the ITACG Advisory Council and consistent with sections 3024(f)(1)(B)(iii) and 3056(f)(E) 1 of title 50, all products described in subparagraph (A) are disseminated through existing channels of the Department and the Department of Justice and other appropriate channels to State, local, and tribal government officials and other entities;

(C) all detailees under subsection (d)(5) 2 have appropriate access to all relevant information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information, available at the National Counterterrorism Center in order to accomplish the objectives under that paragraph;

(D) all detailees under subsection (d)(5) 2 have the appropriate security clearances and are trained in the procedures for handling, processing, storing, and disseminating classified products derived from information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information; and

(E) all detailees under subsection (d)(5) 2 complete appropriate privacy and civil liberties training.

(g) Inapplicability of chapter 10 of title 5

Chapter 10 of title 5 shall not apply to the ITACG or any subsidiary groups thereof.

(h) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 to carry out this section, including to obtain security clearances for the State, local, and tribal participants in the ITACG.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title II, §210D, as added Pub. L. 110–53, title V, §521(a), Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 328; amended Pub. L. 111–258, §5(b)(2), (c), Oct. 7, 2010, 124 Stat. 2650, 2651; Pub. L. 116–92, div. E, title LXVII, §6726(b), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 2236; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(a)(12), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4306.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Subsection (d)(5) and (6), referred to in subsec. (f)(2), was redesignated subsec. (c)(5) and (6), respectively, by Pub. L. 116–92, div. E, title LXVII, §6726(b)(2), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 2236.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 117–286, which directed amendment of subsec. (h) by substituting "chapter 10 of title 5" for "the Federal Advisory Committee Act" in heading and "Chapter 10 of title 5" for "The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)" in text, was executed by making the substitutions in subsec. (g) to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the prior amendment by Pub. L. 116–92. See 2019 Amendment below.

2019—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 116–92, §6726(b)(1), (2), redesignated subsec. (d) as (c) and struck out former subsec. (c) which related to responsibilities of program manager.

Subsec. (c)(9). Pub. L. 116–92, §6726(b)(3), struck out par. (9) which read as follows: "provide the assessment developed pursuant to paragraph (8) to the program manager for use in the annual reports required by subsection (c)(2)."

Subsecs. (d) to (i). Pub. L. 116–92, §6726(b)(2), redesignated subsecs. (e) to (i) as (d) to (h), respectively.

2010—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 111–258, §5(c)(1), struck out ", in consultation with the Information Sharing Council," after "program manager" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 111–258, §5(c)(2)–(4), added par. (3).

Subsec. (d)(5)(E), (F). Pub. L. 111–258, §5(b)(2)(A), added subpar. (E) and redesignated former subpar. (E) as (F).

Subsec. (d)(8), (9). Pub. L. 111–258, §5(b)(2)(B)–(D), added pars. (8) and (9).

1 So in original. Probably should be section "3056(f)(1)(E)".

2 See References in Text note below.
6 U.S.C. § 457 (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 457: Regulatory authority and preemption
Regulatory authority and preemption
Status: in_force

(a) Regulatory authority

Except as otherwise provided in sections 186(c) and 441(c) of this title and section 1315 of title 40,1 this chapter vests no new regulatory authority in the Secretary or any other Federal official, and transfers to the Secretary or another Federal official only such regulatory authority as exists on November 25, 2002, within any agency, program, or function transferred to the Department pursuant to this chapter, or that on November 25, 2002, is exercised by another official of the executive branch with respect to such agency, program, or function. Any such transferred authority may not be exercised by an official from whom it is transferred upon transfer of such agency, program, or function to the Secretary or another Federal official pursuant to this chapter. This chapter may not be construed as altering or diminishing the regulatory authority of any other executive agency, except to the extent that this chapter transfers such authority from the agency.

(b) Preemption of State or local law

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, this chapter preempts no State or local law, except that any authority to preempt State or local law vested in any Federal agency or official transferred to the Department pursuant to this chapter shall be transferred to the Department effective on the date of the transfer to the Department of that Federal agency or official.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title VIII, §877, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2244.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 1315 of title 40, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original "1706(b)", meaning section 1706(b) of Pub. L. 107–296, which amended generally section 1315 of Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works, and enacted provisions set out as a note under section 1315 of Title 40. For complete classification of section 1706(b) to the Code, see Tables.

This chapter, referred to in text, 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.

1 See References in Text note below.
6 U.S.C. § 226 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 1: HOMELAND SECURITY ORGANIZATION / Subchapter IV: BORDER, MARITIME, AND TRANSPORTATION SECURITY / Section 226: Ensuring timely updates to U.S. Customs and Border Protection field manuals
Ensuring timely updates to U.S. Customs and Border Protection field manuals
Status: in_force

(a) In general

Not less frequently than triennially, the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall review and update, as necessary, the current policies and manuals of the Office of Field Operations related to inspections at ports of entry to ensure the uniform implementation of inspection practices that will effectively respond to technological and methodological changes designed to disguise illegal activity, such as the smuggling of drugs and humans, along the border.

(b) Reporting requirement

Shortly after each update required under subsection (a), the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall submit a report to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives that summarizes the policy and manual changes implemented by such update.

(Pub. L. 118–43, §2, Mar. 18, 2024, 138 Stat. 453.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Eradicating Narcotic Drugs and Formulating Effective New Tools to Address National Yearly Losses of life Act, also known as the END FENTANYL Act, and not as part of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 which comprises this chapter.
6 U.S.C. § 468 (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 468: Preserving Coast Guard mission performance
Preserving Coast Guard mission performance
Status: in_force

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Non-homeland security missions

The term "non-homeland security missions" means the following missions of the Coast Guard:

(A) Marine safety.

(B) Search and rescue.

(C) Aids to navigation.

(D) Living marine resources (fisheries law enforcement).

(E) Marine environmental protection.

(F) Ice operations.

(2) Homeland security missions

The term "homeland security missions" means the following missions of the Coast Guard:

(A) Ports, waterways and coastal security.

(B) Drug interdiction.

(C) Migrant interdiction.

(D) Defense readiness.

(E) Other law enforcement.

(b) Transfer

There are transferred to the Department the authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, which shall be maintained as a distinct entity within the Department, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto.

(c) Maintenance of status of functions and assets

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the authorities, functions, and capabilities of the Coast Guard to perform its missions shall be maintained intact and without significant reduction after the transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department, except as specified in subsequent Acts.

(d) Certain transfers prohibited

No mission, function, or asset (including for purposes of this subsection any ship, aircraft, or helicopter) of the Coast Guard may be diverted to the principal and continuing use of any other organization, unit, or entity of the Department, except for details or assignments that do not reduce the Coast Guard's capability to perform its missions.

(e) Changes to missions

(1) Prohibition

The Secretary may not substantially or significantly reduce the missions of the Coast Guard or the Coast Guard's capability to perform those missions, except as specified in subsequent Acts.

(2) Waiver

The Secretary may waive the restrictions under paragraph (1) for a period of not to exceed 90 days upon a declaration and certification by the Secretary to Congress that a clear, compelling, and immediate need exists for such a waiver. A certification under this paragraph shall include a detailed justification for the declaration and certification, including the reasons and specific information that demonstrate that the Nation and the Coast Guard cannot respond effectively if the restrictions under paragraph (1) are not waived.

(f) Direct reporting to Secretary

Upon the transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department, the Commandant shall report directly to the Secretary without being required to report through any other official of the Department.

(g) Operation as a service in the Navy

None of the conditions and restrictions in this section shall apply when the Coast Guard operates as a service in the Navy under section 3 1 of title 14.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title VIII, §888, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2249; Pub. L. 113–284, §2(b), Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 3089; Pub. L. 115–282, title VIII, §801, Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4299.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (c), 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.

Section 3 of title 14, referred to in subsec. (g), was redesignated section 103 of title 14 by Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §103(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4195, and references to section 3 of title 14 deemed to refer to such redesignated section, see section 123(b)(1) of Pub. L. 115–282, set out as a References to Sections of Title 14 as Redesignated by Pub. L. 115–282 note preceding section 101 of Title 14, Coast Guard.

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 115–282 struck out subsec. (h). Text read as follows: "Not later than 90 days after November 25, 2002, the Secretary, in consultation with the Commandant of the Coast Guard, shall submit a report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the Committees on Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives that—

"(1) analyzes the feasibility of accelerating the rate of procurement in the Coast Guard's Integrated Deepwater System from 20 years to 10 years;

"(2) includes an estimate of additional resources required;

"(3) describes the resulting increased capabilities;

"(4) outlines any increases in the Coast Guard's homeland security readiness;

"(5) describes any increases in operational efficiencies; and

"(6) provides a revised asset phase-in time line."

2014—Subsecs. (f) to (i). Pub. L. 113–284 redesignated subsecs. (g) to (i) as (f) to (h), respectively, and struck out former subsec. (f) which related to annual review.

1 See References in Text note below.
6 U.S.C. § 1116 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 4: TRANSPORTATION SECURITY / Subchapter II: TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS / Section 1116: National explosives detection canine team training program
National explosives detection canine team training program
Status: in_force

(a) Definitions

For purposes of this section, the term "explosives detection canine team" means a canine and a canine handler that are trained to detect explosives, radiological materials, chemical, nuclear or biological weapons, or other threats as defined by the Secretary.

(b) In general

(1) Increased capacity

Not later than 180 days after August 3, 2007, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall—

(A) begin to increase the number of explosives detection canine teams certified by the Transportation Security Administration for the purposes of transportation-related security by up to 200 canine teams annually by the end of 2010; and

(B) encourage State, local, and tribal governments and private owners of high-risk transportation facilities to strengthen security through the use of highly trained explosives detection canine teams.

(2) Explosives detection canine teams

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall increase the number of explosives detection canine teams by—

(A) using the Transportation Security Administration's National Explosives Detection Canine Team Training Center, including expanding and upgrading existing facilities, procuring and breeding additional canines, and increasing staffing and oversight commensurate with the increased training and deployment capabilities;

(B) partnering with other Federal, State, or local agencies, nonprofit organizations, universities, or the private sector to increase the training capacity for canine detection teams;

(C) procuring explosives detection canines trained by nonprofit organizations, universities, or the private sector provided they are trained in a manner consistent with the standards and requirements developed pursuant to subsection (c) or other criteria developed by the Secretary; or

(D) a combination of subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), as appropriate.

(c) Standards for explosives detection canine teams

(1) In general

Based on the feasibility in meeting the ongoing demand for quality explosives detection canine teams, the Secretary shall establish criteria, including canine training curricula, performance standards, and other requirements approved by the Transportation Security Administration necessary to ensure that explosives detection canine teams trained by nonprofit organizations, universities, and private sector entities are adequately trained and maintained.

(2) Expansion

In developing and implementing such curriculum, performance standards, and other requirements, the Secretary shall—

(A) coordinate with key stakeholders, including international, Federal, State, and local officials, and private sector and academic entities to develop best practice guidelines for such a standardized program, as appropriate;

(B) require that explosives detection canine teams trained by nonprofit organizations, universities, or private sector entities that are used or made available by the Secretary be trained consistent with specific training criteria developed by the Secretary; and

(C) review the status of the private sector programs on at least an annual basis to ensure compliance with training curricula, performance standards, and other requirements.

(d) Deployment

The Secretary shall—

(1) use the additional explosives detection canine teams as part of the Department's efforts to strengthen security across the Nation's transportation network, and may use the canine teams on a more limited basis to support other homeland security missions, as determined appropriate by the Secretary;

(2) make available explosives detection canine teams to all modes of transportation, for high-risk areas or to address specific threats, on an as-needed basis and as otherwise determined appropriate by the Secretary;

(3) encourage, but not require, any transportation facility or system to deploy TSA-certified explosives detection canine teams developed under this section; and

(4) consider specific needs and training requirements for explosives detection canine teams to be deployed across the Nation's transportation network, including in venues of multiple modes of transportation, as appropriate.

(e) Canine procurement

The Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, shall work to ensure that explosives detection canine teams are procured as efficiently as possible and at the best price, while maintaining the needed level of quality, including, if appropriate, through increased domestic breeding.

(f) Study

Not later than 1 year after August 3, 2007, the Comptroller General shall report to the appropriate congressional committees on the utilization of explosives detection canine teams to strengthen security and the capacity of the national explosive detection canine team program.

(g) Authorization

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section for fiscal years 2007 through 2011.

(h) Third party canine teams for air cargo security

(1) In general

In order to enhance the screening of air cargo and ensure that third party explosives detection canine assets are leveraged for such purpose, the Administrator shall, not later than 180 days after October 5, 2018—

(A) develop and issue standards for the use of such third party explosives detection canine assets for the primary screening of air cargo;

(B) develop a process to identify qualified non-Federal entities that will certify canine assets that meet the standards established by the Administrator under subparagraph (A);

(C) ensure that entities qualified to certify canine assets shall be independent from entities that will train and provide canines to end users of such canine assets;

(D) establish a system of Transportation Security Administration audits of the process developed under subparagraph (B); and

(E) provide that canines certified for the primary screening of air cargo can be used by air carriers, foreign air carriers, freight forwarders, and shippers.

(2) Implementation

Beginning on the date that the development of the process under paragraph (1)(B) is complete, the Administrator shall—

(A) facilitate the deployment of such assets that meet the certification standards of the Administration, as determined by the Administrator;

(B) make such standards available to vendors seeking to train and deploy third party explosives detection canine assets; and

(C) ensure that all costs for the training and certification of canines, and for the use of supplied canines, are borne by private industry and not the Federal Government.

(3) Definitions

In this subsection:

(A) Air carrier

The term "air carrier" has the meaning given the term in section 40102 of title 49.

(B) Foreign air carrier

The term "foreign air carrier" has the meaning given the term in section 40102 of title 49.

(C) Third party explosives detection canine asset

The term "third party explosives detection canine asset" means any explosives detection canine or handler not owned or employed, respectively, by the Transportation Security Administration.

(Pub. L. 110–53, title XIII, §1307, Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 395; Pub. L. 115–254, div. K, title I, §1941, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3582.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 115–254 added subsec. (h).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Public Area Security

Pub. L. 115–254, div. K, title I, §§1926–1929, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3564–3568, provided that:

"SEC. 1926. DEFINITIONS.

"In this subtitle [subtitle C (§§1926–1936) of title I of div. K of Pub. L. 115–254, amending section 1112 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1112 of this title and sections 114 and 44903 of Title 49, Transportation]:

"(1) Behavioral standards.—The term 'behavioral standards' means standards for the evaluation of explosives detection working canines for certain factors, including canine temperament, work drive, suitability for training, environmental factors used in evaluations, and canine familiarity with natural or man-made surfaces or working conditions relevant to the canine's expected work area.

"(2) Medical standards.—The term 'medical standards' means standards for the evaluation of explosives detection working canines for certain factors, including canine health, management of heredity health conditions, breeding practices, genetics, pedigree, and long-term health tracking.

"(3) Technical standards.—The term 'technical standards' means standards for the evaluation of explosives detection working canines for certain factors, including canine search techniques, handler-canine communication, detection testing conditions and logistics, and learned explosive odor libraries.

"SEC. 1927. EXPLOSIVES DETECTION CANINE CAPACITY BUILDING.

"(a) In General.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018], the Administrator [of the Transportation Security Administration] shall establish a working group to determine ways to support decentralized, non-Federal domestic canine breeding capacity to produce high quality explosives detection canines and modernize canine training standards.

"(b) Working Group Composition.—The working group established under subsection (a) shall be comprised of representatives from the following:

"(1) The TSA [Transportation Security Administration].

"(2) The Science and Technology Directorate of the Department [of Homeland Security].

"(3) National domestic canine associations with expertise in breeding and pedigree.

"(4) Universities with expertise related to explosives detection canines and canine breeding.

"(5) Domestic canine breeders and vendors.

"(c) Chairpersons.—The Administrator shall approve of 2 individuals from among the representatives of the working group specified in subsection (b) to serve as the Chairpersons of the working group as follows:

"(1) One Chairperson shall be from an entity specified in paragraph (1) or (2) of that subsection.

"(2) One Chairperson shall be from an entity specified in paragraph (3), (4), or (5) of that subsection.

"(d) Proposed Standards and Recommendations.—Not later than 180 days after the date the working group is established under subsection (a), the working group shall submit to the Administrator—

"(1) proposed behavioral standards, medical standards, and technical standards for domestic canine breeding and canine training described in that subsection; and

"(2) recommendations on how the TSA can engage stakeholders to further the development of such domestic non-Federal canine breeding capacity and training.

"(e) Strategy.—Not later than 180 days after the date the recommendations are submitted under subsection (d), the Administrator shall develop and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress [Committees on Commerce, Science and Transportation and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives] a strategy for working with non-Federal stakeholders to facilitate expanded [sic] the domestic canine breeding capacity described in subsection (a), based on such recommendations.

"(f) Consultation.—In developing the strategy under subsection (e), the Administrator shall consult with the Under Secretary for Science and Technology of the Department [of Homeland Security], the Commissioner for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Director of the United States Secret Service, and the heads of such other Federal departments or agencies as the Administrator considers appropriate to incorporate, to the extent practicable, mission needs across the Department for an expanded non-Federal domestic explosives detection canine breeding capacity that can be leveraged to help meet the Department's operational needs.

"(g) Termination.—The working group established under subsection (a) shall terminate on the date that the strategy is submitted under subsection (e), unless the Administrator extends the termination date for the purposes of section 1928.

"(h) Nonapplicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act.—The Federal Advisory Committee Act ([former] 5 U.S.C. App.) [see 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.] shall not apply to the working group established under this Act [see Short Title of 2018 Amendment note set out under section 40101 of Title 49].

"SEC. 1928. THIRD PARTY DOMESTIC CANINES.

"(a) In General.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018], to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of transportation security by increasing the supply of canine teams for use by the TSA [Transportation Security Administration] and transportation stakeholders, the Administrator [of the Transportation Security Administration] shall develop and issue behavioral standards, medical standards, and technical standards, based on the recommendations of the working group under section 1927, that a third party explosives detection canine must satisfy to be certified for the screening of individuals and property, including detection of explosive vapors among individuals and articles of property, in public areas of an airport under section 44901 of title 49, United States Code.

"(b) Augmenting Public Area Security.—

"(1) In general.—The Administrator shall develop guidance on the coordination of development and deployment of explosives detection canine teams for use by transportation stakeholders to enhance public area security at transportation hubs, including airports.

"(2) Consultation.—In developing the guidance under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consult with—

"(A) the working group established under section 1927;

"(B) the officials responsible for carrying out section 1941 [amending this section]; and

"(C) such transportation stakeholders, canine providers, law enforcement, privacy groups, and transportation security providers as the Administrator considers relevant.

"(c) Agreement.—Subject to subsections (d), (e), and (f), not later than 270 days after the issuance of standards under subsection (a), the Administrator shall, to the extent possible, enter into an agreement with at least 1 third party to test and certify the capabilities of canines in accordance with the standards under subsection (a).

"(d) Expedited Deployment.—In entering into an agreement under subsection (c), the Administrator shall use—

"(1) the other transaction authority under section 114(m) of title 49, United States Code; or

"(2) such other authority of the Administrator as the Administrator considers appropriate to expedite the deployment of additional canine teams.

"(e) Process.—Before entering into an agreement under subsection (c), the Administrator shall—

"(1) evaluate and verify the third party's ability to effectively evaluate the capabilities of canines;

"(2) designate key elements required for appropriate evaluation venues where third parties may conduct testing; and

"(3) periodically assess the program at evaluation centers to ensure the proficiency of the canines beyond the initial testing and certification by the third party.

"(f) Consultation.—To determine best practices for the use of third parties to test and certify the capabilities of canines, the Administrator shall consult with the following persons before entering into an agreement under subsection (c):

"(1) The Secretary of State.

"(2) The Secretary of Defense.

"(3) Non-profit organizations that train, certify, and provide the services of canines for various purposes.

"(4) Institutions of higher education with research programs related to use of canines for the screening of individuals and property, including detection of explosive vapors among individuals and articles of property.

"(g) Third Party Explosives Detection Canine Provider List.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 90 days after the date the Administrator enters into an agreement under subsection (c), the Administrator shall develop and maintain a list of the names of each third party from which the TSA procures explosive detection canines, including for each such third party the relevant contractual period of performance.

"(2) Distribution.—The Administrator shall make the list under paragraph (1) available to appropriate transportation stakeholders in such form and manner as the Administrator prescribes.

"(h) Oversight.—The Administrator shall establish a process to ensure appropriate oversight of the certification program and compliance with the standards under subsection (a), including periodic audits of participating third parties.

"(i) Authorization.—

"(1) TSA.—The Administrator shall develop and implement a process for the TSA to procure third party explosives detection canines certified under this section.

"(2) Aviation stakeholders.—

"(A) In general.—The Administrator shall authorize an aviation stakeholder, under the oversight of and in coordination with the Federal Security Director at an applicable airport, to contract with, procure or purchase, and deploy one or more third party explosives detection canines certified under this section to augment public area security at that airport.

"(B) Applicable large hub airports.—

"(i) In general.—Except as provided under subparagraph [clause] (ii), notwithstanding any law to the contrary, and subject to the other provisions of this paragraph, an applicable large hub airport may provide a certified canine described in subparagraph (A) on an in-kind basis to the TSA to be deployed as a passenger screening canine at that airport unless the applicable large hub airport consents to the use of that certified canine elsewhere.

"(ii) Exception.—The Administrator may, on a case-by-case basis, deploy a certified canine described in subparagraph (A) to a transportation facility other than the applicable large hub airport described in clause (i) for not more than 90 days per year if the Administrator—

     "(I) determines that such deployment is necessary to meet operational or security needs; and

     "(II) notifies the applicable large hub airport described in clause (i).

"(iii) Nondeployable canines.—Any certified canine provided to the TSA under clause (i) that does not complete training for deployment under that clause shall be the responsibility of the large hub airport unless the TSA agrees to a different outcome.

"(C) Handlers.—Not later than 30 days before a canine begins training to become a certified canine under subparagraph (B), the airport shall notify the TSA of such training and the Administrator shall assign a TSA canine handler to participate in the training with that canine, as appropriate.

"(D) Limitation.—The Administrator may not reduce the staffing allocation model for an applicable large hub airport based on that airport's provision of a certified canine under this paragraph.

"(j) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) Applicable large hub airport.—The term 'applicable large hub airport' means a large hub airport (as defined in section 40102 of title 49, United States Code) that has less than 100 percent of the allocated passenger screening canine teams staffed by the TSA.

"(2) Aviation stakeholder.—The term 'aviation stakeholder' includes an airport, airport operator, and air carrier.

"SEC. 1929. TRACKING AND MONITORING OF CANINE TRAINING AND TESTING.

"Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018], the Administrator [of the Transportation Security Administration] shall use, to the extent practicable, a digital monitoring system for all training, testing, and validation or certification of public and private canine assets utilized or funded by the TSA [Transportation Security Administration] to facilitate improved review, data analysis, and record keeping of canine testing performance and program administration."

Expansion of National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program

Pub. L. 115–254, div. K, title I, §1971, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3613, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Secretary [of Homeland Security], where appropriate, shall encourage State, local, and tribal governments and private owners of high-risk transportation facilities to strengthen security through the use of explosives detection canine teams.

"(b) Increased Capacity.—

"(1) In general.—Before the date the Inspector General of the Department [of Homeland Security] submits the report under section 1970 [132 Stat. 3612], the Administrator [of the Transportation Security Administration] may increase the number of State and local surface and maritime transportation canines by not more than 70 explosives detection canine teams.

"(2) Additional teams.—Beginning on the date the Inspector General of the Department submits the report under section 1970, the Secretary may increase the State and local surface and maritime transportation canines up to 200 explosives detection canine teams unless more are identified in the risk-based surface transportation security strategy under section 1964 [enacting provisions set out as a note under section 114 of Title 49, Transportation], consistent with section 1965 [enacting provisions set out as a note under section 114 of Title 49] or with the President's most recent budget submitted under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code.

"(3) Recommendations.—Before initiating any increase in the number of explosives detection teams under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall consider any recommendations in the report under section 1970 on the efficacy and management of the explosives detection canine program.

"(c) Deployment.—The Secretary shall—

"(1) use the additional explosives detection canine teams, as described in subsection (b)(1), as part of the Department's efforts to strengthen security across the Nation's surface and maritime transportation networks;

"(2) make available explosives detection canine teams to all modes of transportation, subject to the requirements under section 1968 [amending section 1112 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 114 of Title 49], to address specific vulnerabilities or risks, on an as-needed basis and as otherwise determined appropriate by the Secretary; and

"(3) consider specific needs and training requirements for explosives detection canine teams to be deployed across the Nation's surface and maritime transportation networks, including in venues of multiple modes of transportation, as the Secretary considers appropriate.

"(d) Authorization.—There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to the extent of appropriations to carry out this section for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2021."

[For definition of "explosives detection canine teams" as used in section 1971 of Pub. L. 115–254, set out above, see section 1902 of Pub. L. 115–254, set out as a note under section 101 of Title 49, Transportation.]
6 U.S.C. § 532 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 1: HOMELAND SECURITY ORGANIZATION / Subchapter XI: DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE DIVISIONS / Section 532: Explosives Training and Research Facility
Explosives Training and Research Facility
Status: in_force

(a) Establishment

There is established within the Bureau an Explosives Training and Research Facility at Fort AP Hill, Fredericksburg, Virginia.

(b) Purpose

The facility established under subsection (a) shall be utilized to train Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers to—

(1) investigate bombings and explosions;

(2) properly handle, utilize, and dispose of explosive materials and devices;

(3) train canines on explosive detection; and

(4) conduct research on explosives.

(c) Authorization of appropriations

(1) In general

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to establish and maintain the facility established under subsection (a).

(2) Availability of funds

Any amounts appropriated pursuant to paragraph (1) shall remain available until expended.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title XI, §1114, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2280.)
6 U.S.C. § 664 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 1: HOMELAND SECURITY ORGANIZATION / Subchapter XVIII: CYBERSECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY AGENCY / Section 664: National asset database
National asset database
Status: in_force

(a) Establishment

(1) National asset database

The Secretary shall establish and maintain a national database of each system or asset that—

(A) the Secretary, in consultation with appropriate homeland security officials of the States, determines to be vital and the loss, interruption, incapacity, or destruction of which would have a negative or debilitating effect on the economic security, public health, or safety of the United States, any State, or any local government; or

(B) the Secretary determines is appropriate for inclusion in the database.

(2) Prioritized critical infrastructure list

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive–7, as in effect on January 1, 2007, the Secretary shall establish and maintain a single classified prioritized list of systems and assets included in the database under paragraph (1) that the Secretary determines would, if destroyed or disrupted, cause national or regional catastrophic effects.

(b) Use of database

The Secretary shall use the database established under subsection (a)(1) in the development and implementation of Department plans and programs as appropriate.

(c) Maintenance of database

(1) In general

The Secretary shall maintain and annually update the database established under subsection (a)(1) and the list established under subsection (a)(2), including—

(A) establishing data collection guidelines and providing such guidelines to the appropriate homeland security official of each State;

(B) regularly reviewing the guidelines established under subparagraph (A), including by consulting with the appropriate homeland security officials of States, to solicit feedback about the guidelines, as appropriate;

(C) after providing the homeland security official of a State with the guidelines under subparagraph (A), allowing the official a reasonable amount of time to submit to the Secretary any data submissions recommended by the official for inclusion in the database established under subsection (a)(1);

(D) examining the contents and identifying any submissions made by such an official that are described incorrectly or that do not meet the guidelines established under subparagraph (A); and

(E) providing to the appropriate homeland security official of each relevant State a list of submissions identified under subparagraph (D) for review and possible correction before the Secretary finalizes the decision of which submissions will be included in the database established under subsection (a)(1).

(2) Organization of information in database

The Secretary shall organize the contents of the database established under subsection (a)(1) and the list established under subsection (a)(2) as the Secretary determines is appropriate. Any organizational structure of such contents shall include the categorization of the contents—

(A) according to the sectors listed in National Infrastructure Protection Plan developed pursuant to Homeland Security Presidential Directive–7; and

(B) by the State and county of their location.

(3) Private sector integration

The Secretary shall identify and evaluate methods, including the Department's Protected Critical Infrastructure Information Program, to acquire relevant private sector information for the purpose of using that information to generate any database or list, including the database established under subsection (a)(1) and the list established under subsection (a)(2).

(4) Retention of classification

The classification of information required to be provided to Congress, the Department, or any other department or agency under this section by a Sector Risk Management Agency, including the assignment of a level of classification of such information, shall be binding on Congress, the Department, and that other Federal agency.

(d) Reports

(1) Report required

Not later than 180 days after August 3, 2007, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives a report on the database established under subsection (a)(1) and the list established under subsection (a)(2).

(2) Contents of report

Each such report shall include the following:

(A) The name, location, and sector classification of each of the systems and assets on the list established under subsection (a)(2).

(B) The name, location, and sector classification of each of the systems and assets on such list that are determined by the Secretary to be most at risk to terrorism.

(C) Any significant challenges in compiling the list of the systems and assets included on such list or in the database established under subsection (a)(1).

(D) Any significant changes from the preceding report in the systems and assets included on such list or in such database.

(E) If appropriate, the extent to which such database and such list have been used, individually or jointly, for allocating funds by the Federal Government to prevent, reduce, mitigate, or respond to acts of terrorism.

(F) The amount of coordination between the Department and the private sector, through any entity of the Department that meets with representatives of private sector industries for purposes of such coordination, for the purpose of ensuring the accuracy of such database and such list.

(G) Any other information the Secretary deems relevant.

(3) Classified information

The report shall be submitted in unclassified form but may contain a classified annex.

(e) National Infrastructure Protection Consortium

The Secretary may establish a consortium to be known as the "National Infrastructure Protection Consortium". The Consortium may advise the Secretary on the best way to identify, generate, organize, and maintain any database or list of systems and assets established by the Secretary, including the database established under subsection (a)(1) and the list established under subsection (a)(2). If the Secretary establishes the National Infrastructure Protection Consortium, the Consortium may—

(1) be composed of national laboratories, Federal agencies, State and local homeland security organizations, academic institutions, or national Centers of Excellence that have demonstrated experience working with and identifying critical infrastructure and key resources; and

(2) provide input to the Secretary on any request pertaining to the contents of such database or such list.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title XXII, §2214, formerly title II, §210E, as added Pub. L. 110–53, title X, §1001(a), Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 372; renumbered title XXII, §2214, and amended Pub. L. 115–278, §2(g)(2)(G), (9)(A)(viii), Nov. 16, 2018, 132 Stat. 4178, 4181; Pub. L. 116–283, div. H, title XC, §9002(c)(2)(E), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4773.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 124l of this title prior to renumbering by Pub. L. 115–278.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Sector Risk Management Agency" for "sector-specific agency".

2018—Subsecs. (e), (f). Pub. L. 115–278, §2(g)(9)(A)(viii), redesignated subsec. (f) as (e) and struck out former subsec. (e). Prior to amendment, text of subsec. (e) read as follows: "By not later than two years after August 3, 2007, the Inspector General of the Department shall conduct a study of the implementation of this section."
6 U.S.C. § 1164 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 4: TRANSPORTATION SECURITY / Subchapter IV: SURFACE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY / Section 1164: Systemwide Amtrak security upgrades
Systemwide Amtrak security upgrades
Status: in_force

(a) In general

(1) Grants

Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, is authorized to make grants to Amtrak in accordance with the provisions of this section.

(2) General purposes

The Secretary may make such grants for the purposes of—

(A) protecting underwater and underground assets and systems;

(B) protecting high-risk and high-consequence assets identified through systemwide risk assessments;

(C) providing counterterrorism or security training;

(D) providing both visible and unpredictable deterrence; and

(E) conducting emergency preparedness drills and exercises.

(3) Specific projects

The Secretary shall make such grants—

(A) to secure major tunnel access points and ensure tunnel integrity in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Washington, DC;

(B) to secure Amtrak trains;

(C) to secure Amtrak stations;

(D) to obtain a watchlist identification system approved by the Secretary, or to connect to the National Terrorism Screening Center watchlist;

(E) to obtain train tracking and interoperable communications systems that are coordinated with Federal, State, and local agencies and tribal governments to the maximum extent possible;

(F) to hire, train, and employ police and security officers, including canine units, assigned to full-time security or counterterrorism duties related to railroad transportation;

(G) for operating and capital costs associated with security awareness, preparedness, and response training, including training under section 1167 of this title, and training developed by universities, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit employee labor organizations, for railroad employees, including frontline employees;

(H) for live or simulated exercises, including exercises described in section 1166 of this title;

(I) for improvements to passenger verification systems;

(J) for improvements to employee and contractor verification systems, including identity verification technology; or

(K) for improvements to the security of Amtrak computer systems, including cybersecurity assessments and programs.

(b) Conditions

The Secretary shall award grants to Amtrak under this section for projects contained in a systemwide security plan approved by the Secretary developed pursuant to section 1162 of this title. Not later than 5 business days after awarding a grant to Amtrak under this section, the Secretary shall transfer the grant funds to the Secretary of Transportation to be disbursed to Amtrak.

(c) Equitable geographic allocation

The Secretary shall ensure that, subject to meeting the highest security needs on Amtrak's entire system and consistent with the risk assessment required under section 1161 of this title and Amtrak's vulnerability assessment and security plan developed under section 1162 of this title, stations and facilities located outside of the Northeast Corridor receive an equitable share of the security funds authorized by this section.

(d) Availability of funds

(1) In general

Out of funds appropriated pursuant to section 114(w) 1 of title 49, there shall be made available to the Secretary and the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration to carry out this section—

(A) $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;

(B) $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;

(C) $175,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and

(D) $175,000,000 for fiscal year 2011.

(2) Availability of appropriated funds

Amounts appropriated pursuant to paragraph (1) shall remain available until expended.

(Pub. L. 110–53, title XV, §1514, Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 435; Pub. L. 115–254, div. K, title I, §1973(b), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3614.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 114(w) of title 49, referred to in subsec. (d)(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.

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (a)(3)(D). Pub. L. 115–254, §1973(b)(1), inserted ", or to connect to the National Terrorism Screening Center watchlist" after "Secretary".

Subsec. (a)(3)(I) to (K). Pub. L. 115–254, §1973(b)(2)–(4), added subpars. (I) to (K).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Passenger Rail Vetting

Pub. L. 115–254, div. K, title I, §1974, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3615, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Amtrak Board of Directors submits a request to the Administrator [of the Transportation Security Administration], the Administrator shall issue a decision on the use by Amtrak of the Transportation Security Administration's Secure Flight Program or a similar passenger vetting system to enhance passenger rail security.

"(b) Considerations.—In making a decision under subsection (a), the Administrator shall—

"(1) consider the technological, privacy, operational, and security impacts of such a decision; and

"(2) describe such impacts in any strategic plan developed under subsection (c).

"(c) Strategic Plan.—If the Administrator decides to grant the request by Amtrak under subsection (a), the decision shall include a strategic plan for working with rail stakeholders to enhance passenger rail security by—

"(1) vetting passengers using terrorist watch lists maintained by the Federal Government or a similar passenger vetting system maintained by the Transportation Security Administration; and

"(2) where applicable and in consultation with the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, assessing whether the vetting process should be integrated into preclearance operations established under section 813 of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 (19 U.S.C. 4432).

"(d) Notices.—The Administrator shall notify the appropriate committees of Congress [Committees on Commerce, Science and Transportation and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives] of any decision made under subsection (a) and the details of the strategic plan under subsection (c).

"(e) Rule of Construction.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the Administrator's authority to set the access to, or terms and conditions of using, the Secure Flight Program or a similar passenger vetting system."

1 See References in Text note below.
6 U.S.C. § 657 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 1: HOMELAND SECURITY ORGANIZATION / Subchapter XVIII: CYBERSECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY AGENCY / Section 657: Cyber Security Enhancement Act of 2002
Cyber Security Enhancement Act of 2002
Status: in_force

(a) Short title

This section may be cited as the "Cyber Security Enhancement Act of 2002".

(b) Amendment of sentencing guidelines relating to certain computer crimes

(1) Directive to the United States Sentencing Commission

Pursuant to its authority under section 994(p) of title 28 and in accordance with this subsection, the United States Sentencing Commission shall review and, if appropriate, amend its guidelines and its policy statements applicable to persons convicted of an offense under section 1030 of title 18.

(2) Requirements

In carrying out this subsection, the Sentencing Commission shall—

(A) ensure that the sentencing guidelines and policy statements reflect the serious nature of the offenses described in paragraph (1), the growing incidence of such offenses, and the need for an effective deterrent and appropriate punishment to prevent such offenses;

(B) consider the following factors and the extent to which the guidelines may or may not account for them—

(i) the potential and actual loss resulting from the offense;

(ii) the level of sophistication and planning involved in the offense;

(iii) whether the offense was committed for purposes of commercial advantage or private financial benefit;

(iv) whether the defendant acted with malicious intent to cause harm in committing the offense;

(v) the extent to which the offense violated the privacy rights of individuals harmed;

(vi) whether the offense involved a computer used by the government in furtherance of national defense, national security, or the administration of justice;

(vii) whether the violation was intended to or had the effect of significantly interfering with or disrupting a critical infrastructure; and

(viii) whether the violation was intended to or had the effect of creating a threat to public health or safety, or injury to any person;

(C) assure reasonable consistency with other relevant directives and with other sentencing guidelines;

(D) account for any additional aggravating or mitigating circumstances that might justify exceptions to the generally applicable sentencing ranges;

(E) make any necessary conforming changes to the sentencing guidelines; and

(F) assure that the guidelines adequately meet the purposes of sentencing as set forth in section 3553(a)(2) of title 18.

(c) Study and report on computer crimes

Not later than May 1, 2003, the United States Sentencing Commission shall submit a brief report to Congress that explains any actions taken by the Sentencing Commission in response to this section and includes any recommendations the Commission may have regarding statutory penalties for offenses under section 1030 of title 18.

(d) Emergency disclosure exception

(1) Omitted

(2) Reporting of disclosures

A government entity that receives a disclosure under section 2702(b) of title 18 shall file, not later than 90 days after such disclosure, a report to the Attorney General stating the paragraph of that section under which the disclosure was made, the date of the disclosure, the entity to which the disclosure was made, the number of customers or subscribers to whom the information disclosed pertained, and the number of communications, if any, that were disclosed. The Attorney General shall publish all such reports into a single report to be submitted to Congress 1 year after November 25, 2002.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title XXII, §2207, formerly title II, §225, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2156; renumbered title XXII, §2207, Pub. L. 115–278, §2(g)(2)(I), Nov. 16, 2018, 132 Stat. 4178.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 145 of this title prior to renumbering by Pub. L. 115–278.

Section is comprised of section 2207 of Pub. L. 107–296. Subsecs. (d)(1) and (e) to (j) of section 2207 of Pub. L. 107–296 amended sections 1030, 2511, 2512, 2520, 2701 to 2703, and 3125 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure.
6 U.S.C. § 1161 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 4: TRANSPORTATION SECURITY / Subchapter IV: SURFACE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY / Section 1161: Railroad transportation security risk assessment and National Strategy
Railroad transportation security risk assessment and National Strategy
Status: in_force

(a) Risk assessment

The Secretary shall establish a Federal task force, including the Transportation Security Administration and other agencies within the Department, the Department of Transportation, and other appropriate Federal agencies, to complete, within 6 months of August 3, 2007, a nationwide risk assessment of a terrorist attack on railroad carriers. The assessment shall include—

(1) a methodology for conducting the risk assessment, including timelines, that addresses how the Department will work with the entities described in subsection (c) and make use of existing Federal expertise within the Department, the Department of Transportation, and other appropriate agencies;

(2) identification and evaluation of critical assets and infrastructure, including tunnels used by railroad carriers in high-threat urban areas;

(3) identification of risks to those assets and infrastructure;

(4) identification of risks that are specific to the transportation of hazardous materials via railroad;

(5) identification of risks to passenger and cargo security, transportation infrastructure protection systems, operations, communications systems, and any other area identified by the assessment;

(6) an assessment of employee training and emergency response planning;

(7) an assessment of public and private operational recovery plans, taking into account the plans for the maritime sector required under section 70103 of title 46, to expedite, to the maximum extent practicable, the return of an adversely affected railroad transportation system or facility to its normal performance level after a major terrorist attack or other security event on that system or facility; and

(8) an account of actions taken or planned by both public and private entities to address identified railroad security issues and an assessment of the effective integration of such actions.

(b) National Strategy

(1) Requirement

Not later than 9 months after August 3, 2007, and based upon the assessment conducted under subsection (a), the Secretary, consistent with and as required by section 114(t) 1 of title 49, shall develop and implement the modal plan for railroad transportation, entitled the "National Strategy for Railroad Transportation Security".

(2) Contents

The modal plan shall include prioritized goals, actions, objectives, policies, mechanisms, and schedules for, at a minimum—

(A) improving the security of railroad tunnels, railroad bridges, railroad switching and car storage areas, other railroad infrastructure and facilities, information systems, and other areas identified by the Secretary as posing significant railroad-related risks to public safety and the movement of interstate commerce, taking into account the impact that any proposed security measure might have on the provision of railroad service or on operations served or otherwise affected by railroad service;

(B) deploying equipment and personnel to detect security threats, including those posed by explosives and hazardous chemical, biological, and radioactive substances, and any appropriate countermeasures;

(C) consistent with section 1167 of this title, training railroad employees in terrorism prevention, preparedness, passenger evacuation, and response activities;

(D) conducting public outreach campaigns for railroads regarding security, including educational initiatives designed to inform the public on how to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from a terrorist attack on railroad transportation;

(E) providing additional railroad security support for railroads at high or severe threat levels of alert;

(F) ensuring, in coordination with freight and intercity and commuter passenger railroads, the continued movement of freight and passengers in the event of an attack affecting the railroad system, including the possibility of rerouting traffic due to the loss of critical infrastructure, such as a bridge, tunnel, yard, or station;

(G) coordinating existing and planned railroad security initiatives undertaken by the public and private sectors;

(H) assessing—

(i) the usefulness of covert testing of railroad security systems;

(ii) the ability to integrate security into infrastructure design; and

(iii) the implementation of random searches of passengers and baggage; and

(I) identifying the immediate and long-term costs of measures that may be required to address those risks and public and private sector sources to fund such measures.

(3) Responsibilities

The Secretary shall include in the modal plan a description of the roles, responsibilities, and authorities of Federal, State, and local agencies, government-sponsored entities, tribal governments, and appropriate stakeholders described in subsection (c). The plan shall also include—

(A) the identification of, and a plan to address, gaps and unnecessary overlaps in the roles, responsibilities, and authorities described in this paragraph;

(B) a methodology for how the Department will work with the entities described in subsection (c), and make use of existing Federal expertise within the Department, the Department of Transportation, and other appropriate agencies;

(C) a process for facilitating security clearances for the purpose of intelligence and information sharing with the entities described in subsection (c), as appropriate;

(D) a strategy and timeline, coordinated with the research and development program established under section 1168 of this title, for the Department, the Department of Transportation, other appropriate Federal agencies and private entities to research and develop new technologies for securing railroad systems; and

(E) a process for coordinating existing or future security strategies and plans for railroad transportation, including the National Infrastructure Protection Plan required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive–7; Executive Order No. 13416: "Strengthening Surface Transportation Security" dated December 5, 2006; the Memorandum of Understanding between the Department and the Department of Transportation on Roles and Responsibilities dated September 28, 2004, and any and all subsequent annexes to this Memorandum of Understanding, and any other relevant agreements between the two Departments.

(c) Consultation with stakeholders

In developing the National Strategy required under this section, the Secretary shall consult with railroad management, nonprofit employee organizations representing railroad employees, owners or lessors of railroad cars used to transport hazardous materials, emergency responders, offerors of security-sensitive materials, public safety officials, and other relevant parties.

(d) Adequacy of existing plans and strategies

In developing the risk assessment and National Strategy required under this section, the Secretary shall utilize relevant existing plans, strategies, and risk assessments developed by the Department or other Federal agencies, including those developed or implemented pursuant to section 114(t) 1 of title 49 or Homeland Security Presidential Directive–7, and, as appropriate, assessments developed by other public and private stakeholders.

(e) Report

(1) Contents

Not later than 1 year after August 3, 2007, the Secretary shall transmit to the appropriate congressional committees a report containing—

(A) the assessment and the National Strategy required by this section; and

(B) an estimate of the cost to implement the National Strategy.

(2) Format

The Secretary may submit the report in both classified and redacted formats if the Secretary determines that such action is appropriate or necessary.

(f) Annual updates

Consistent with the requirements of section 114(t) 1 of title 49, the Secretary shall update the assessment and National Strategy each year and transmit a report, which may be submitted in both classified and redacted formats, to the appropriate congressional committees containing the updated assessment and recommendations.

(g) Funding

Out of funds appropriated pursuant to section 114(w) 1 of title 49, there shall be made available to the Secretary to carry out this section $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2008.

(Pub. L. 110–53, title XV, §1511, Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 426.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 114(t) of title 49, referred to in subsecs. (b)(1), (d), and (f), was redesignated section 114(s) of title 49 by Pub. L. 110–161, div. E, title V, §568(a), Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 2092.

Executive Order No. 13416, referred to in subsec. (b)(3)(E), is set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Section 114(w) of title 49, referred to in subsec. (g), 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. § 575 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 1: HOMELAND SECURITY ORGANIZATION / Subchapter XIII: EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS / Section 575: Regional emergency communications coordination
Regional emergency communications coordination
Status: in_force

(a) In general

There is established in each Regional Office a Regional Emergency Communications Coordination Working Group (in this section referred to as an "RECC Working Group"). Each RECC Working Group shall report to the relevant Regional Administrator and coordinate its activities with the relevant Regional Advisory Council.

(b) Membership

Each RECC Working Group shall consist of the following:

(1) Non-Federal

Organizations representing the interests of the following:

(A) State officials.

(B) Local government officials, including sheriffs.

(C) State police departments.

(D) Local police departments.

(E) Local fire departments.

(F) Public safety answering points (9–1–1 services).

(G) State emergency managers, homeland security directors, or representatives of State Administrative Agencies.

(H) Local emergency managers or homeland security directors.

(I) Other emergency response providers as appropriate.

(2) Federal

Representatives from the Department, the Federal Communications Commission, and other Federal departments and agencies with responsibility for coordinating interoperable emergency communications with or providing emergency support services to State, local, and tribal governments.

(c) Coordination

Each RECC Working Group shall coordinate its activities with the following:

(1) Communications equipment manufacturers and vendors (including broadband data service providers).

(2) Local exchange carriers.

(3) Local broadcast media.

(4) Wireless carriers.

(5) Satellite communications services.

(6) Cable operators.

(7) Hospitals.

(8) Public utility services.

(9) Emergency evacuation transit services.

(10) Ambulance services.

(11) HAM and amateur radio operators.

(12) Representatives from other private sector entities and nongovernmental organizations as the Regional Administrator determines appropriate.

(d) Duties

The duties of each RECC Working Group shall include—

(1) assessing the survivability, sustainability, and interoperability of local emergency communications systems to meet the goals of the National Emergency Communications Plan;

(2) reporting annually to the relevant Regional Administrator, the Assistant Director for Emergency Communications, the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, and the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information of the Department of Commerce on the status of its region in building robust and sustainable interoperable voice and data emergency communications networks and, not later than 60 days after the completion of the initial National Emergency Communications Plan under section 572 of this title, on the progress of the region in meeting the goals of such plan;

(3) ensuring a process for the coordination of effective multijurisdictional, multi-agency emergency communications networks for use during natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters through the expanded use of emergency management and public safety communications mutual aid agreements; and

(4) coordinating the establishment of Federal, State, local, and tribal support services and networks designed to address the immediate and critical human needs in responding to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title XVIII, §1805, as added Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, §671(b), Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1439; amended Pub. L. 115–278, §2(g)(6)(B), Nov. 16, 2018, 132 Stat. 4179.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Another section 1805 of Pub. L. 107–296 was renumbered section 1905 and was classified to section 595 of this title, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 115–387, §2(a)(4), Dec. 21, 2018, 132 Stat. 5163.

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 115–278 substituted "Assistant Director for Emergency Communications" for "Director for Emergency Communications".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Reference to the Assistant Director for Emergency Communications deemed to be a reference to the Executive Assistant Director for Emergency Communications, see section 571(g) of this title, enacted Jan. 1, 2021.
6 U.S.C. § 187 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 1: HOMELAND SECURITY ORGANIZATION / Subchapter III: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN SUPPORT OF HOMELAND SECURITY / Section 187: Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency
Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency
Status: in_force

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Fund

The term "Fund" means the Acceleration Fund for Research and Development of Homeland Security Technologies established in subsection (c).

(2) Homeland security research

The term "homeland security research" means research relevant to the detection of, prevention of, protection against, response to, attribution of, and recovery from homeland security threats, particularly acts of terrorism.

(3) HSARPA

The term "HSARPA" means the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency established in subsection (b).

(4) Under Secretary

The term "Under Secretary" means the Under Secretary for Science and Technology.

(b) Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency

(1) Establishment

There is established the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency.

(2) Director

HSARPA shall be headed by a Director, who shall be appointed by the Secretary. The Director shall report to the Under Secretary.

(3) Responsibilities

The Director shall administer the Fund to award competitive, merit-reviewed grants, cooperative agreements or contracts to public or private entities, including businesses, federally funded research and development centers, and universities. The Director shall administer the Fund to—

(A) support basic and applied homeland security research to promote revolutionary changes in technologies that would promote homeland security;

(B) advance the development, testing and evaluation, and deployment of critical homeland security technologies;

(C) accelerate the prototyping and deployment of technologies that would address homeland security vulnerabilities; and

(D) conduct research and development for the purpose of advancing technology for the investigation of child exploitation crimes, including child victim identification, trafficking in persons, and child pornography, and for advanced forensics.

(4) Targeted competitions

The Director may solicit proposals to address specific vulnerabilities identified by the Director.

(5) Coordination

The Director shall ensure that the activities of HSARPA are coordinated with those of other relevant research agencies, and may run projects jointly with other agencies.

(6) Personnel

In hiring personnel for HSARPA, the Secretary shall have the hiring and management authorities described in section 1101 1 of the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 (5 U.S.C. 3104 note; Public Law 105–261). The term of appointments for employees under subsection (c)(1) of that section may not exceed 5 years before the granting of any extension under subsection (c)(2) of that section.

(7) Demonstrations

The Director, periodically, shall hold homeland security technology demonstrations to improve contact among technology developers, vendors and acquisition personnel.

(c) Fund

(1) Establishment

There is established the Acceleration Fund for Research and Development of Homeland Security Technologies, which shall be administered by the Director of HSARPA.

(2) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated $500,000,000 to the Fund for fiscal year 2003 and such sums as may be necessary thereafter.

(3) Coast Guard

Of the funds authorized to be appropriated under paragraph (2), not less than 10 percent of such funds for each fiscal year through fiscal year 2005 shall be authorized only for the Under Secretary, through joint agreement with the Commandant of the Coast Guard, to carry out research and development of improved ports, waterways and coastal security surveillance and perimeter protection capabilities for the purpose of minimizing the possibility that Coast Guard cutters, aircraft, helicopters, and personnel will be diverted from non-homeland security missions to the ports, waterways and coastal security mission.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title III, §307, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2168; Pub. L. 114–22, title III, §302(c), formerly §302(d), May 29, 2015, 129 Stat. 255; renumbered §302(d), Pub. L. 115–392, §23(c)(2), Dec. 21, 2018, 132 Stat. 5264.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 1101 of the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999, referred to in subsec. (b)(6), is section 1101 of Pub. L. 105–261, which was formerly set out as a note under section 3104 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title XI, §1121(b), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2452. See section 4092 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

Amendments

2015—Subsec. (b)(3)(D). Pub. L. 114–22 added subpar. (D).

1 See References in Text note below.
6 U.S.C. § 131 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 1: HOMELAND SECURITY ORGANIZATION / Subchapter II: INFORMATION ANALYSIS / Section 131: Transferred
Transferred
Status: transferred

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section 131, Pub. L. 107–296, title II, §212, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2150; Pub. L. 114–113, div. N, title II, §204, Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2961, which related to definitions, was renumbered section 2222 of Pub. L. 107–296 by Pub. L. 115–278, §2(g)(2)(H), Nov. 16, 2018, 132 Stat. 4178, and transferred to section 671 of this title.

Section 132, Pub. L. 107–296, title II, §213, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2152, which related to designation of critical infrastructure protection program, was renumbered section 2223 of Pub. L. 107–296 by Pub. L. 115–278, §2(g)(2)(H), Nov. 16, 2018, 132 Stat. 4178, and transferred to section 672 of this title.

Section 133, Pub. L. 107–296, title II, §214, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2152; Pub. L. 108–271, §8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814; Pub. L. 112–199, title I, §111, Nov. 27, 2012, 126 Stat. 1472, which related to protection of voluntarily shared critical infrastructure information, was renumbered section 2224 of Pub. L. 107–296 by Pub. L. 115–278, §2(g)(2)(H), Nov. 16, 2018, 132 Stat. 4178, and transferred to section 673 of this title.

Section 134, Pub. L. 107–296, title II, §215, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2155, which prohibited the construction of former part B as creating a private right of action for enforcement of any provision of this chapter, was renumbered section 2225 of Pub. L. 107–296 by Pub. L. 115–278, §2(g)(2)(H), Nov. 16, 2018, 132 Stat. 4178, and transferred to section 674 of this title.
6 U.S.C. § 663 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 1: HOMELAND SECURITY ORGANIZATION / Subchapter XVIII: CYBERSECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY AGENCY / Section 663: Federal intrusion detection and prevention system
Federal intrusion detection and prevention system
Status: in_force

(a) Definitions

In this section—

(1) the term "agency" has the meaning given the term in section 3502 of title 44;

(2) the term "agency information" means information collected or maintained by or on behalf of an agency; 1

(3) the term "agency information system" has the meaning given the term in section 660 of this title; and 2

(b) Requirement

(1) In general

Not later than 1 year after December 18, 2015, the Secretary shall deploy, operate, and maintain, to make available for use by any agency, with or without reimbursement—

(A) a capability to detect cybersecurity risks in network traffic transiting or traveling to or from an agency information system; and

(B) a capability to prevent network traffic associated with such cybersecurity risks from transiting or traveling to or from an agency information system or modify such network traffic to remove the cybersecurity risk.

(2) Regular improvement

The Secretary shall regularly deploy new technologies and modify existing technologies to the intrusion detection and prevention capabilities described in paragraph (1) as appropriate to improve the intrusion detection and prevention capabilities.

(c) Activities

In carrying out subsection (b), the Secretary—

(1) may access, and the head of an agency may disclose to the Secretary or a private entity providing assistance to the Secretary under paragraph (2), information transiting or traveling to or from an agency information system, regardless of the location from which the Secretary or a private entity providing assistance to the Secretary under paragraph (2) accesses such information, notwithstanding any other provision of law that would otherwise restrict or prevent the head of an agency from disclosing such information to the Secretary or a private entity providing assistance to the Secretary under paragraph (2);

(2) may enter into contracts or other agreements with, or otherwise request and obtain the assistance of, private entities to deploy, operate, and maintain technologies in accordance with subsection (b);

(3) may retain, use, and disclose information obtained through the conduct of activities authorized under this section only to protect information and information systems from cybersecurity risks;

(4) shall regularly assess through operational test and evaluation in real world or simulated environments available advanced protective technologies to improve detection and prevention capabilities, including commercial and noncommercial technologies and detection technologies beyond signature-based detection, and acquire, test, and deploy such technologies when appropriate;

(5) shall establish a pilot through which the Secretary may acquire, test, and deploy, as rapidly as possible, technologies described in paragraph (4); and

(6) shall periodically update the privacy impact assessment required under section 208(b) of the E-Government Act of 2002 (44 U.S.C. 3501 note).

(d) Principles

In carrying out subsection (b), the Secretary shall ensure that—

(1) activities carried out under this section are reasonably necessary for the purpose of protecting agency information and agency information systems from a cybersecurity risk;

(2) information accessed by the Secretary will be retained no longer than reasonably necessary for the purpose of protecting agency information and agency information systems from a cybersecurity risk;

(3) notice has been provided to users of an agency information system concerning access to communications of users of the agency information system for the purpose of protecting agency information and the agency information system; and

(4) the activities are implemented pursuant to policies and procedures governing the operation of the intrusion detection and prevention capabilities.

(e) Private entities

(1) Conditions

A private entity described in subsection (c)(2) may not—

(A) disclose any network traffic transiting or traveling to or from an agency information system to any entity other than the Department or the agency that disclosed the information under subsection (c)(1), including personal information of a specific individual or information that identifies a specific individual not directly related to a cybersecurity risk; or

(B) use any network traffic transiting or traveling to or from an agency information system to which the private entity gains access in accordance with this section for any purpose other than to protect agency information and agency information systems against cybersecurity risks or to administer a contract or other agreement entered into pursuant to subsection (c)(2) or as part of another contract with the Secretary.

(2) Limitation on liability

No cause of action shall lie in any court against a private entity for assistance provided to the Secretary in accordance with this section and any contract or agreement entered into pursuant to subsection (c)(2).

(3) Rule of construction

Nothing in paragraph (2) shall be construed to authorize an Internet service provider to break a user agreement with a customer without the consent of the customer.

(f) Privacy Officer review

Not later than 1 year after December 18, 2015, the Privacy Officer appointed under section 142 of this title, in consultation with the Attorney General, shall review the policies and guidelines for the program carried out under this section to ensure that the policies and guidelines are consistent with applicable privacy laws, including those governing the acquisition, interception, retention, use, and disclosure of communications.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title XXII, §2213, formerly title II, §230, as added Pub. L. 114–113, div. N, title II, §223(a)(6), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2964; renumbered title XXII, §2213, and amended Pub. L. 115–278, §2(g)(2)(I), (9)(A)(vii), Nov. 16, 2018, 132 Stat. 4178, 4181; Pub. L. 117–263, div. G, title LXXI, §7143(b)(2)(H), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3660.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 208(b) of the E-Government Act of 2002, referred to in subsec. (c)(6), is section 208(b) of title II of Pub. L. 107–347, which is set out in a note under section 3501 of Title 44, Public Printing and Documents.

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 151 of this title prior to renumbering by Pub. L. 115–278.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 117–263 struck out par. (4) which read as follows: "the terms 'cybersecurity risk' and 'information system' have the meanings given those terms in section 659 of this title."

2018—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 115–278, §2(g)(9)(A)(vii)(I), substituted "section 660 of this title" for "section 149 of this title".

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 115–278, §2(g)(9)(A)(vii)(II), substituted "section 659 of this title" for "section 148 of this title".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Competition Relating to Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title XV, §1544, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2057, provided that: "The Under Secretary for Science and Technology of the Department of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency of the Department, may establish an incentive-based program that allows industry, individuals, academia, and others to compete in identifying remediation solutions for cybersecurity vulnerabilities (as such term is defined in section 2209 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 [6 U.S.C. 659]) to information systems (as such term is defined in such section 2209 [see 6 U.S.C. 650]) and industrial control systems, including supervisory control and data acquisition systems."

Department of Homeland Security Disclosure of Security Vulnerabilities

Pub. L. 115–390, title I, §101, Dec. 21, 2018, 132 Stat. 5173, provided that:

"(a) Vulnerability Disclosure Policy.—The Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish a policy applicable to individuals, organizations, and companies that report security vulnerabilities on appropriate information systems of Department of Homeland Security. Such policy shall include each of the following:

"(1) The appropriate information systems of the Department that individuals, organizations, and companies may use to discover and report security vulnerabilities on appropriate information systems.

"(2) The conditions and criteria under which individuals, organizations, and companies may operate to discover and report security vulnerabilities.

"(3) How individuals, organizations, and companies may disclose to the Department security vulnerabilities discovered on appropriate information systems of the Department.

"(4) The ways in which the Department may communicate with individuals, organizations, and companies that report security vulnerabilities.

"(5) The process the Department shall use for public disclosure of reported security vulnerabilities.

"(b) Remediation Process.—The Secretary of Homeland Security shall develop a process for the Department of Homeland Security to address the mitigation or remediation of the security vulnerabilities reported through the policy developed in subsection (a).

"(c) Consultation.—

"(1) In general.—In developing the security vulnerability disclosure policy under subsection (a), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall consult with each of the following:

"(A) The Attorney General regarding how to ensure that individuals, organizations, and companies that comply with the requirements of the policy developed under subsection (a) are protected from prosecution under section 1030 of title 18, United States Code, civil lawsuits, and similar provisions of law with respect to specific activities authorized under the policy.

"(B) The Secretary of Defense and the Administrator of General Services regarding lessons that may be applied from existing vulnerability disclosure policies.

"(C) Non-governmental security researchers.

"(2) Nonapplicability of faca.—The Federal Advisory Committee Act ([former] 5 U.S.C. App.) [see 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.] shall not apply to any consultation under this section.

"(d) Public Availability.—The Secretary of Homeland Security shall make the policy developed under subsection (a) publicly available.

"(e) Submission to Congress.—

"(1) Disclosure policy and remediation process.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 21, 2018], the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a copy of the policy required under subsection (a) and the remediation process required under subsection (b).

"(2) Report and briefing.—

"(A) Report.—Not later than one year after establishing the policy required under subsection (a), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on such policy and the remediation process required under subsection (b).

"(B) Annual briefings.—One year after the date of the submission of the report under subparagraph (A), and annually thereafter for each of the next three years, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees a briefing on the policy required under subsection (a) and the process required under subsection (b).

"(C) Matters for inclusion.—The report required under subparagraph (A) and the briefings required under subparagraph (B) shall include each of the following with respect to the policy required under subsection (a) and the process required under subsection (b) for the period covered by the report or briefing, as the case may be:

"(i) The number of unique security vulnerabilities reported.

"(ii) The number of previously unknown security vulnerabilities mitigated or remediated.

"(iii) The number of unique individuals, organizations, and companies that reported security vulnerabilities.

"(iv) The average length of time between the reporting of security vulnerabilities and mitigation or remediation of such vulnerabilities.

"(f) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'security vulnerability' has the meaning given that term in section 102(17) of the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 (6 U.S.C. 1501(17)), in information technology.

"(2) The term 'information system' has the meaning given that term by section 3502 of title 44, United States Code.

"(3) The term 'appropriate information system' means an information system that the Secretary of Homeland Security selects for inclusion under the vulnerability disclosure policy required by subsection (a).

"(4) The term 'appropriate congressional committees' means—

"(A) the Committee on Homeland Security, the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives; and

"(B) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate."

Department of Homeland Security Bug Bounty Pilot Program

Pub. L. 115–390, title I, §102, Dec. 21, 2018, 132 Stat. 5175, provided that:

"(a) Definitions.—In this section:

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

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

"(B) the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate;

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

"(D) Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives.

"(2) The term 'bug bounty program' means a program under which—

"(A) individuals, organizations, and companies are temporarily authorized to identify and report vulnerabilities of appropriate information systems of the Department; and

"(B) eligible individuals, organizations, and companies receive compensation in exchange for such reports.

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

"(4) The term 'eligible individual, organization, or company' means an individual, organization, or company that meets such criteria as the Secretary determines in order to receive compensation in compliance with Federal laws.

"(5) The term 'information system' has the meaning given the term in section 3502 of title 44, United States Code.

"(6) The term 'pilot program' means the bug bounty pilot program required to be established under subsection (b)(1).

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

"(b) Bug Bounty Pilot Program.—

"(1) Establishment.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 21, 2018], the Secretary shall establish, within the Office of the Chief Information Officer, a bug bounty pilot program to minimize vulnerabilities of appropriate information systems of the Department.

"(2) Responsibilities of secretary.—In establishing and conducting the pilot program, the Secretary shall—

"(A) designate appropriate information systems to be included in the pilot program;

"(B) provide compensation to eligible individuals, organizations, and companies for reports of previously unidentified security vulnerabilities within the information systems designated under subparagraph (A);

"(C) establish criteria for individuals, organizations, and companies to be considered eligible for compensation under the pilot program in compliance with Federal laws;

"(D) consult with the Attorney General on how to ensure that approved individuals, organizations, or companies that comply with the requirements of the pilot program are protected from prosecution under section 1030 of title 18, United States Code, and similar provisions of law, and civil lawsuits for specific activities authorized under the pilot program;

"(E) consult with the Secretary of Defense and the heads of other departments and agencies that have implemented programs to provide compensation for reports of previously undisclosed vulnerabilities in information systems, regarding lessons that may be applied from such programs; and

"(F) develop an expeditious process by which an individual, organization, or company can register with the Department, submit to a background check as determined by the Department, and receive a determination as to eligibility; and

"(G) engage qualified interested persons, including non-government sector representatives, about the structure of the pilot program as constructive and to the extent practicable.

"(3) Contract authority.—In establishing the pilot program, the Secretary, subject to the availability of appropriations, may award 1 or more competitive contracts to an entity, as necessary, to manage the pilot program.

"(c) Report to Congress.—Not later than 180 days after the date on which the pilot program is completed, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the pilot program, which shall include—

"(1) the number of individuals, organizations, or companies that participated in the pilot program, broken down by the number of individuals, organizations, or companies that—

"(A) registered;

"(B) were determined eligible;

"(C) submitted security vulnerabilities; and

"(D) received compensation;

"(2) the number and severity of vulnerabilities reported as part of the pilot program;

"(3) the number of previously unidentified security vulnerabilities remediated as a result of the pilot program;

"(4) the current number of outstanding previously unidentified security vulnerabilities and Department remediation plans;

"(5) the average length of time between the reporting of security vulnerabilities and remediation of the vulnerabilities;

"(6) the types of compensation provided under the pilot program; and

"(7) the lessons learned from the pilot program.

"(d) Authorization of Appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated to the Department $250,000 for fiscal year 2019 to carry out this section."

Agency Responsibilities

Pub. L. 114–113, div. N, title II, §223(b), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2966, as amended by Pub. L. 115–278, §2(h)(1)(E), Nov. 16, 2018, 132 Stat. 4182, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2)—

"(A) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 18, 2015] or 2 months after the date on which the Secretary makes available the intrusion detection and prevention capabilities under section 2213(b)(1) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 [6 U.S.C. 663(b)(1)], whichever is later, the head of each agency shall apply and continue to utilize the capabilities to all information traveling between an agency information system and any information system other than an agency information system; and

"(B) not later than 6 months after the date on which the Secretary makes available improvements to the intrusion detection and prevention capabilities pursuant to section 2213(b)(2) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 [6 U.S.C. 663(b)(2)], the head of each agency shall apply and continue to utilize the improved intrusion detection and prevention capabilities.

"(2) Exception.—The requirements under paragraph (1) shall not apply to the Department of Defense, a national security system, or an element of the intelligence community.

"(3) Definition.—Notwithstanding section 222 [6 U.S.C. 1521], in this subsection, the term 'agency information system' means an information system owned or operated by an agency.

"(4) Rule of construction.—Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit an agency from applying the intrusion detection and prevention capabilities to an information system other than an agency information system under section 2213(b)(1) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 [6 U.S.C. 663(b)(1)], at the discretion of the head of the agency or as provided in relevant policies, directives, and guidelines."

1 So in original. Probably should be followed by "and".

2 So in original. The "; and" probably should be a period.
6 U.S.C. § 772 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 2: NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT / Subchapter II: COMPREHENSIVE PREPAREDNESS SYSTEM / Section 772: National Disaster Housing Strategy
National Disaster Housing Strategy
Status: in_force

(a) In general

The Administrator, in coordination with representatives of the Federal agencies, governments, and organizations listed in subsection (b)(2) of this section, the National Advisory Council, the National Council on Disability, and other entities at the Administrator's discretion, shall develop, coordinate, and maintain a National Disaster Housing Strategy.

(b) Contents

The National Disaster Housing Strategy shall—

(1) outline the most efficient and cost effective Federal programs that will best meet the short-term and long-term housing needs of individuals and households affected by a major disaster;

(2) clearly define the role, programs, authorities, and responsibilities of each entity in providing housing assistance in the event of a major disaster, including—

(A) the Agency;

(B) the Department of Housing and Urban Development;

(C) the Department of Agriculture;

(D) the Department of Veterans Affairs;

(E) the Department of Health and Human Services;

(F) the Bureau of Indian Affairs;

(G) any other Federal agency that may provide housing assistance in the event of a major disaster;

(H) the American Red Cross; and

(I) State, local, and tribal governments;

(3) describe in detail the programs that may be offered by the entities described in paragraph (2), including—

(A) outlining any funding issues;

(B) detailing how responsibilities under the National Disaster Housing Strategy will be shared; and

(C) addressing other matters concerning the cooperative effort to provide housing assistance during a major disaster;

(4) consider methods through which housing assistance can be provided to individuals and households where employment and other resources for living are available;

(5) describe programs directed to meet the needs of special needs and low-income populations and ensure that a sufficient number of housing units are provided for individuals with disabilities;

(6) describe plans for the operation of clusters of housing provided to individuals and households, including access to public services, site management, security, and site density;

(7) describe plans for promoting the repair or rehabilitation of existing rental housing, including through lease agreements or other means, in order to improve the provision of housing to individuals and households under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174); and

(8) describe any additional authorities necessary to carry out any portion of the strategy.

(c) Guidance

The Administrator should develop and make publicly available guidance on—

(1) types of housing assistance available under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) to individuals and households affected by an emergency or major disaster;

(2) eligibility for such assistance (including, where appropriate, the continuation of such assistance); and

(3) application procedures for such assistance.

(d) Report

(1) In general

Not later than 270 days after October 4, 2006, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report describing in detail the National Disaster Housing Strategy, including programs directed to meeting the needs of special needs populations.

(2) Updated report

The Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report updating the report submitted under paragraph (1)—

(A) on the same date that any change is made to the National Disaster Housing Strategy; and

(B) on a periodic basis after the submission of the report under paragraph (1), but not less than once every 5 years after the date of the submission of the report under paragraph (1).

(Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, §683, Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1446.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), 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. § 603 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 1: HOMELAND SECURITY ORGANIZATION / Subchapter XV: HOMELAND SECURITY GRANTS / Section 603: Homeland security grant programs
Homeland security grant programs
Status: in_force

(a) Grants authorized

The Secretary, through the Administrator, may award grants under sections 604, 605, and 609a of this title to State, local, and tribal governments.

(b) Programs not affected

This part shall not be construed to affect any of the following Federal programs:

(1) Firefighter and other assistance programs authorized under the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2201 et seq.).

(2) Grants authorized under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.).

(3) Emergency Management Performance Grants under the amendments made by title II of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007.

(4) Grants to protect critical infrastructure, including port security grants authorized under section 70107 of title 46 and the grants authorized under title 1 XIV and XV of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 [6 U.S.C. 1131 et seq., 1151 et seq.] and the amendments made by such titles.

(5) The Metropolitan Medical Response System authorized under section 723 of this title.

(6) The Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program authorized under subchapter XIII.

(7) Grant programs other than those administered by the Department.

(c) Relationship to other laws

(1) In general

The grant programs authorized under sections 604 and 605 of this title shall supercede all grant programs authorized under section 1014 of the USA PATRIOT Act (42 U.S.C. 3714).2

(2) Allocation

The allocation of grants authorized under section 604 or 605 of this title shall be governed by the terms of this part and not by any other provision of law.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title XX, §2002, as added Pub. L. 110–53, title I, §101, Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 273; amended Pub. L. 116–108, §2(b), Jan. 24, 2020, 133 Stat. 3295.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), is Pub. L. 93–498, Oct. 29, 1974, 88 Stat. 1535, which is classified principally to chapter 49 (§2201 et seq.) of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2201 of Title 15 and Tables.

The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), 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.

The Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, referred to in subsec. (b)(3), (4), is Pub. L. 110–53, Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 266. Title II of the Act amended section 762 of this title and section 5196c of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. Title XIV of the Act is classified generally to subchapter III (§1131 et seq.) of chapter 4 of this title. Title XV of the Act is classified principally to subchapter IV (§1151 et seq.) of chapter 4 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 2007 Amendment note set out under section 101 of this title and Tables.

Section 1014 of the USA PATRIOT Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), is section 1014 of Pub. L. 107–56, which is set out as a note under this section.

Amendments

2020—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–108 substituted "sections 604, 605, and 609a" for "sections 604 and 605".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Grant Program for State and Local Domestic Preparedness Support

Pub. L. 107–56, title X, §1014, Oct. 26, 2001, 115 Stat. 399, as amended by Pub. L. 107–273, div. C, title I, §11003, Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1816, provided that:

"(a) In general.—The Office for Domestic Preparedness of the Office of Justice Programs shall make a grant to each State, which shall be used by the State, in conjunction with units of local government, to enhance the capability of State and local jurisdictions to prepare for and respond to terrorist acts including events of terrorism involving weapons of mass destruction and biological, nuclear, radiological, incendiary, chemical, and explosive devices.

"(b) Use of grant amounts.—Grants under this section may be used to purchase needed equipment and to provide training and technical assistance to State and local first responders. In addition, grants under this section may be used to construct, develop, expand, modify, operate, or improve facilities to provide training or assistance to State and local first responders.

"(c) Authorization of appropriations.—

"(1) In general.—There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as necessary for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2007.

"(2) Limitations.—Of the amount made available to carry out this section in any fiscal year not more than 3 percent may be used by the Attorney General for salaries and administrative expenses.

"(3) Minimum amount.—Each State shall be allocated in each fiscal year under this section not less than 0.75 percent of the total amount appropriated in the fiscal year for grants pursuant to this section, except that the United States Virgin Islands, America Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands each shall be allocated not less than 0.25 percent."

[For transfer of functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the Office for Domestic Preparedness of the Office of Justice Programs, including the functions of the Attorney General relating thereto, to the Secretary of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 203(5), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of this title and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of this title.]

1 So in original. Probably should be "titles".

2 See References in Text note below.
6 U.S.C. § 665i (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 1: HOMELAND SECURITY ORGANIZATION / Subchapter XVIII: CYBERSECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY AGENCY / Section 665i: CyberSentry program
CyberSentry program
Status: in_force

(a) Establishment

There is established in the Agency a program, to be known as "CyberSentry", to provide continuous monitoring and detection of cybersecurity risks to critical infrastructure entities that own or operate industrial control systems that support national critical functions, upon request and subject to the consent of such owner or operator.

(b) Activities

The Director, through CyberSentry, shall—

(1) enter into strategic partnerships with critical infrastructure owners and operators that, in the determination of the Director and subject to the availability of resources, own or operate regionally or nationally significant industrial control systems that support national critical functions, in order to provide technical assistance in the form of continuous monitoring of industrial control systems and the information systems that support such systems and detection of cybersecurity risks to such industrial control systems and other cybersecurity services, as appropriate, based on and subject to the agreement and consent of such owner or operator;

(2) leverage sensitive or classified intelligence about cybersecurity risks regarding particular sectors, particular adversaries, and trends in tactics, techniques, and procedures to advise critical infrastructure owners and operators regarding mitigation measures and share information as appropriate;

(3) identify cybersecurity risks in the information technology and information systems that support industrial control systems which could be exploited by adversaries attempting to gain access to such industrial control systems, and work with owners and operators to remediate such vulnerabilities;

(4) produce aggregated, anonymized analytic products, based on threat hunting and continuous monitoring and detection activities and partnerships, with findings and recommendations that can be disseminated to critical infrastructure owners and operators; and

(5) support activities authorized in accordance with section 1501 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022.

(c) Privacy review

Not later than 180 days after December 27, 2021, the Privacy Officer of the Agency under section 652(h) of this title shall—

(1) review the policies, guidelines, and activities of CyberSentry for compliance with all applicable privacy laws, including such laws governing the acquisition, interception, retention, use, and disclosure of communities; and

(2) 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 certifying compliance with all applicable privacy laws as referred to in paragraph (1), or identifying any instances of noncompliance with such privacy laws.

(d) Report to Congress

Not later than one year after December 27, 2021, the Director shall provide to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a briefing and written report on implementation of this section.

(e) Savings

Nothing in this section may be construed to permit the Federal Government to gain access to information of a remote computing service provider to the public or an electronic service provider to the public, the disclosure of which is not permitted under section 2702 of title 18.

(f) Definition

In this section, the term "industrial control system" means an information system used to monitor and/or control industrial processes such as manufacturing, product handling, production, and distribution, including supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems used to monitor and/or control geographically dispersed assets, distributed control systems (DCSs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and programmable logic controllers that control localized processes.

(g) Termination

The authority to carry out a program under this section shall terminate on the date that is seven years after December 27, 2021.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title XXII, §2220C, as added Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title XV, §1548(a), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2061; amended Pub. L. 117–263, div. G, title LXXI, §7143(b)(2)(L), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3661.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 1501 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, referred to in subsec. (b)(5), is section 1501 of Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title XV, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2020, related to development of taxonomy of cyber capabilities, which is not classified to the Code.

Codification

Section 1548(a) of Pub. L. 117–81, which directed that this section be added at the end of title XXII of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, was executed by adding this section at the end of this part as if the directory language had added the section at the end of subtitle A of title XXII of the Act, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 117–263 added subsec. (f) and struck out former subsec. (f) which defined cybersecurity risk, industrial control system, and information system.
6 U.S.C. § 1142 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 4: TRANSPORTATION SECURITY / Subchapter III: PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SECURITY / Section 1142: Public transportation employee protections
Public transportation employee protections
Status: in_force

(a) In general

A public transportation agency, a contractor or a subcontractor of such agency, or an officer or employee of such agency, shall not discharge, demote, suspend, reprimand, or in any other way discriminate against an employee if such discrimination is due, in whole or in part, to the employee's lawful, good faith act done, or perceived by the employer to have been done or about to be done—

(1) to provide information, directly cause information to be provided, or otherwise directly assist in any investigation regarding any conduct which the employee reasonably believes constitutes a violation of any Federal law, rule, or regulation relating to public transportation safety or security, or fraud, waste, or abuse of Federal grants or other public funds intended to be used for public transportation safety or security, if the information or assistance is provided to or an investigation stemming from the provided information is conducted by—

(A) a Federal, State, or local regulatory or law enforcement agency (including an office of the Inspector General under chapter 4 of title 5; 1

(B) any Member of Congress, any Committee of Congress, or the Government Accountability Office; or

(C) a person with supervisory authority over the employee or such other person who has the authority to investigate, discover, or terminate the misconduct;

(2) to refuse to violate or assist in the violation of any Federal law, rule, or regulation relating to public transportation safety or security;

(3) to file a complaint or directly cause to be brought a proceeding related to the enforcement of this section or to testify in that proceeding;

(4) to cooperate with a safety or security investigation by the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or the National Transportation Safety Board; or

(5) to furnish information to the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the National Transportation Safety Board, or any Federal, State, or local regulatory or law enforcement agency as to the facts relating to any accident or incident resulting in injury or death to an individual or damage to property occurring in connection with public transportation.

(b) Hazardous safety or security conditions

(1) A public transportation agency, or a contractor or a subcontractor of such agency, or an officer or employee of such agency, shall not discharge, demote, suspend, reprimand, or in any other way discriminate against an employee for—

(A) reporting a hazardous safety or security condition;

(B) refusing to work when confronted by a hazardous safety or security condition related to the performance of the employee's duties, if the conditions described in paragraph (2) exist; or

(C) refusing to authorize the use of any safety- or security-related equipment, track, or structures, if the employee is responsible for the inspection or repair of the equipment, track, or structures, when the employee believes that the equipment, track, or structures are in a hazardous safety or security condition, if the conditions described in paragraph (2) of this subsection exist.

(2) A refusal is protected under paragraph (1)(B) and (C) if—

(A) the refusal is made in good faith and no reasonable alternative to the refusal is available to the employee;

(B) a reasonable individual in the circumstances then confronting the employee would conclude that—

(i) the hazardous condition presents an imminent danger of death or serious injury; and

(ii) the urgency of the situation does not allow sufficient time to eliminate the danger without such refusal; and

(C) the employee, where possible, has notified the public transportation agency of the existence of the hazardous condition and the intention not to perform further work, or not to authorize the use of the hazardous equipment, track, or structures, unless the condition is corrected immediately or the equipment, track, or structures are repaired properly or replaced.

(3) In this subsection, only subsection (b)(1)(A) shall apply to security personnel, including transit police, employed or utilized by a public transportation agency to protect riders, equipment, assets, or facilities.

(c) Enforcement action

(1) Filing and notification

A person who believes that he or she has been discharged or otherwise discriminated against by any person in violation of subsection (a) or (b) may, not later than 180 days after the date on which such violation occurs, file (or have any person file on his or her behalf) a complaint with the Secretary of Labor alleging such discharge or discrimination. Upon receipt of a complaint filed under this paragraph, the Secretary of Labor shall notify, in writing, the person named in the complaint and the person's employer of the filing of the complaint, of the allegations contained in the complaint, of the substance of evidence supporting the complaint, and of the opportunities that will be afforded to such person under paragraph (2).

(2) Investigation; preliminary order

(A) In general

Not later than 60 days after the date of receipt of a complaint filed under paragraph (1) and after affording the person named in the complaint an opportunity to submit to the Secretary of Labor a written response to the complaint and an opportunity to meet with a representative of the Secretary of Labor to present statements from witnesses, the Secretary of Labor shall conduct an investigation and determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe that the complaint has merit and notify, in writing, the complainant and the person alleged to have committed a violation of subsection (a) or (b) of the Secretary of Labor's findings. If the Secretary of Labor concludes that there is a reasonable cause to believe that a violation of subsection (a) or (b) has occurred, the Secretary of Labor shall accompany the Secretary of Labor's findings with a preliminary order providing the relief prescribed by paragraph (3)(B). Not later than 30 days after the date of notification of findings under this paragraph, either the person alleged to have committed the violation or the complainant may file objections to the findings or preliminary order, or both, and request a hearing on the record. The filing of such objections shall not operate to stay any reinstatement remedy contained in the preliminary order. Such hearings shall be conducted expeditiously. If a hearing is not requested in such 30-day period, the preliminary order shall be deemed a final order that is not subject to judicial review.

(B) Requirements

(i) Required showing by complainant

The Secretary of Labor shall dismiss a complaint filed under this subsection and shall not conduct an investigation otherwise required under subparagraph (A) unless the complainant makes a prima facie showing that any behavior described in subsection (a) or (b) was a contributing factor in the unfavorable personnel action alleged in the complaint.

(ii) Showing by employer

Notwithstanding a finding by the Secretary of Labor that the complainant has made the showing required under clause (i), no investigation otherwise required under paragraph (A) shall be conducted if the employer demonstrates, by clear and convincing evidence, that the employer would have taken the same unfavorable personnel action in the absence of that behavior.

(iii) Criteria for determination by Secretary of Labor

The Secretary of Labor may determine that a violation of subsection (a) or (b) has occurred only if the complainant demonstrates that any behavior described in subsection (a) or (b) was a contributing factor in the unfavorable personnel action alleged in the complaint.

(iv) Prohibition

Relief may not be ordered under paragraph (A) if the employer demonstrates by clear and convincing evidence that the employer would have taken the same unfavorable personnel action in the absence of that behavior.

(3) Final order

(A) Deadline for issuance; settlement agreements

Not later than 120 days after the date of conclusion of a hearing under paragraph (2), the Secretary of Labor shall issue a final order providing the relief prescribed by this paragraph or denying the complaint. At any time before issuance of a final order, a proceeding under this subsection may be terminated on the basis of a settlement agreement entered into by the Secretary of Labor, the complainant, and the person alleged to have committed the violation.

(B) Remedy

If, in response to a complaint filed under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Labor determines that a violation of subsection (a) or (b) has occurred, the Secretary of Labor shall order the person who committed such violation to—

(i) take affirmative action to abate the violation; and

(ii) provide the remedies described in subsection (d).

(C) Order

If an order is issued under subparagraph (B), the Secretary of Labor, at the request of the complainant, shall assess against the person against whom the order is issued a sum equal to the aggregate amount of all costs and expenses (including attorney and expert witness fees) reasonably incurred, as determined by the Secretary of Labor, by the complainant for, or in connection with, bringing the complaint upon which the order was issued.

(D) Frivolous complaints

If the Secretary of Labor finds that a complaint under paragraph (1) is frivolous or has been brought in bad faith, the Secretary of Labor may award to the prevailing employer reasonable attorney fees not exceeding $1,000.

(4) Review

(A) Appeal to Court of Appeals

Any person adversely affected or aggrieved by an order issued under paragraph (3) may obtain review of the order in the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit in which the violation, with respect to which the order was issued, allegedly occurred or the circuit in which the complainant resided on the date of such violation. The petition for review must be filed not later than 60 days after the date of the issuance of the final order of the Secretary of Labor. Review shall conform to chapter 7 of title 5. The commencement of proceedings under this subparagraph shall not, unless ordered by the court, operate as a stay of the order.

(B) Limitation on collateral attack

An order of the Secretary of Labor with respect to which review could have been obtained under subparagraph (A) shall not be subject to judicial review in any criminal or other civil proceeding.

(5) Enforcement of order by Secretary of Labor

Whenever any person has failed to comply with an order issued under paragraph (3), the Secretary of Labor may file a civil action in the United States district court for the district in which the violation was found to occur to enforce such order. In actions brought under this paragraph, the district courts shall have jurisdiction to grant all appropriate relief including, but not limited to, injunctive relief and compensatory damages.

(6) Enforcement of order by parties

(A) Commencement of action

A person on whose behalf an order was issued under paragraph (3) may commence a civil action against the person to whom such order was issued to require compliance with such order. The appropriate United States district court shall have jurisdiction, without regard to the amount in controversy or the citizenship of the parties, to enforce such order.

(B) Attorney fees

The court, in issuing any final order under this paragraph, may award costs of litigation (including reasonable attorney and expert witness fees) to any party whenever the court determines such award is appropriate.

(7) De novo review

With respect to a complaint under paragraph (1), if the Secretary of Labor has not issued a final decision within 210 days after the filing of the complaint and if the delay is not due to the bad faith of the employee, the employee may bring an original action at law or equity for de novo review in the appropriate district court of the United States, which shall have jurisdiction over such an action without regard to the amount in controversy, and which action shall, at the request of either party to such action, be tried by the court with a jury. The action shall be governed by the same legal burdens of proof specified in paragraph (2)(B) for review by the Secretary of Labor.

(d) Remedies

(1) In general

An employee prevailing in any action under subsection (c) shall be entitled to all relief necessary to make the employee whole.

(2) Damages

Relief in an action under subsection (c) (including an action described in (c)(7)) 2 shall include—

(A) reinstatement with the same seniority status that the employee would have had, but for the discrimination;

(B) any backpay, with interest; and

(C) compensatory damages, including compensation for any special damages sustained as a result of the discrimination, including litigation costs, expert witness fees, and reasonable attorney fees.

(3) Possible relief

Relief in any action under subsection (c) may include punitive damages in an amount not to exceed $250,000.

(e) Election of remedies

An employee may not seek protection under both this section and another provision of law for the same allegedly unlawful act of the public transportation agency.

(f) No preemption

Nothing in this section preempts or diminishes any other safeguards against discrimination, demotion, discharge, suspension, threats, harassment, reprimand, retaliation, or any other manner of discrimination provided by Federal or State law.

(g) Rights retained by employee

Nothing in this section shall be construed to diminish the rights, privileges, or remedies of any employee under any Federal or State law or under any collective bargaining agreement. The rights and remedies in this section may not be waived by any agreement, policy, form, or condition of employment.

(h) Disclosure of identity

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, or with the written consent of the employee, the Secretary of Transportation or the Secretary of Homeland Security may not disclose the name of an employee who has provided information described in subsection (a)(1).

(2) The Secretary of Transportation or the Secretary of Homeland Security shall disclose to the Attorney General the name of an employee described in paragraph (1) of this subsection if the matter is referred to the Attorney General for enforcement. The Secretary making such disclosure shall provide reasonable advance notice to the affected employee if disclosure of that person's identity or identifying information is to occur.

(i) Process for reporting security problems to the Department of Homeland Security

(1) Establishment of process

The Secretary shall establish through regulations after an opportunity for notice and comment, and provide information to the public regarding, a process by which any person may submit a report to the Secretary regarding public transportation security problems, deficiencies, or vulnerabilities.

(2) Acknowledgment of receipt

If a report submitted under paragraph (1) identifies the person making the report, the Secretary shall respond promptly to such person and acknowledge receipt of the report.

(3) Steps to address problem

The Secretary shall review and consider the information provided in any report submitted under paragraph (1) and shall take appropriate steps to address any problems or deficiencies identified.

(Pub. L. 110–53, title XIV, §1413, Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 414; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(b)(22), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4345.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted "chapter 4 of title 5;" for "the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.; Public Law 95–452);".

1 So in original. The semicolon probably should be preceded by a closing parenthesis.

2 So in original. Probably should be "subsection (c)(7))".
6 U.S.C. § 301b (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 1: HOMELAND SECURITY ORGANIZATION / Subchapter IV: BORDER, MARITIME, AND TRANSPORTATION SECURITY / Section 301b: Current and proposed agreements
Current and proposed agreements
Status: in_force

Nothing in this part or in section 4 of the Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act of 2016 may be construed as affecting—

(1) any agreement entered into pursuant to section 560 of division D of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 (Public Law 113–6) or section 559 of title V of division F of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 (6 U.S.C. 211 note; Public Law 113–76), as in existence on the day before December 16, 2016, and any such agreement shall continue to have full force and effect on and after such date; or

(2) a proposal accepted for consideration by U.S. Customs and Border Protection pursuant to such section 559, as in existence on the day before December 16, 2016.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title IV, §483, as added Pub. L. 114–279, §2(a), Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1421.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 4 of the Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act of 2016, referred to in text, is section 4 of Pub. L. 114–279, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1422, which repealed section 560 of division D of Pub. L. 113–6 and section 559 of title V of division F of Pub. L. 113–76. Section 560 of Pub. L. 113–6, was not classified to the Code. Section 559 of Pub. L. 113–76 was classified as a note under section 211 of this title.
6 U.S.C. § 113 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 1: HOMELAND SECURITY ORGANIZATION / Subchapter I: DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY / Section 113: Other officers
Other officers
Status: in_force

(a) Deputy Secretary; Under Secretaries

(1) In general

Except as provided under paragraph (2), there are the following officers, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate:

(A) A Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, who shall be the Secretary's first assistant for purposes of subchapter III of chapter 33 of title 5.

(B) An Under Secretary for Science and Technology.

(C) A Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

(D) An Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

(E) A Director of the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.

(F) An Under Secretary for Management, who shall be first assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security for purposes of subchapter III of chapter 33 of title 5.

(G) A Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

(H) A Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

(I) Not more than 12 Assistant Secretaries.

(J) A General Counsel, who shall be the chief legal officer of the Department.

(K) An Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Plans.

(2) Assistant Secretaries

If any of the Assistant Secretaries referred to under paragraph (1)(I) is designated to be the Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs, the Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs, or the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, that Assistant Secretary shall be appointed by the President without the advice and consent of the Senate.

(b) Inspector General

There shall be in the Department an Office of Inspector General and an Inspector General at the head of such office, as provided in chapter 4 of title 5.

(c) Commandant of the Coast Guard

To assist the Secretary in the performance of the Secretary's functions, there is a Commandant of the Coast Guard, who shall be appointed as provided in section 44 1 of title 14 and who shall report directly to the Secretary. In addition to such duties as may be provided in this chapter and as assigned to the Commandant by the Secretary, the duties of the Commandant shall include those required by section 2 1 of title 14.

(d) Other officers

To assist the Secretary in the performance of the Secretary's functions, there are the following officers, appointed by the President:

(1) A Director of the Secret Service.

(2) A Chief Information Officer.

(3) An Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.

(4) An Assistant Secretary for the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office.

(5) Any Director of a Joint Task Force under section 348 of this title.

(e) Chief Financial Officer

There shall be in the Department a Chief Financial Officer, as provided in chapter 9 of title 31.

(f) Performance of specific functions

Subject to the provisions of this chapter, every officer of the Department shall perform the functions specified by law for the official's office or prescribed by the Secretary.

(g) Vacancies

(1) Absence, disability, or vacancy of Secretary or Deputy Secretary

Notwithstanding chapter 33 of title 5, the Under Secretary for Management shall serve as the Acting Secretary if by reason of absence, disability, or vacancy in office, neither the Secretary nor Deputy Secretary is available to exercise the duties of the Office of the Secretary.

(2) Further order of succession

Notwithstanding chapter 33 of title 5, the Secretary may designate such other officers of the Department in further order of succession to serve as Acting Secretary.

(3) Notification of vacancies

The Secretary shall notify the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives of any vacancies that require notification under sections 3345 through 3349d of title 5 (commonly known as the "Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998").

(Pub. L. 107–296, title I, §103, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2144; Pub. L. 108–7, div. L, §104(a), Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 529; Pub. L. 108–330, §3(d)(1)(A), Oct. 16, 2004, 118 Stat. 1276; Pub. L. 108–458, title VII, §7407(b), Dec. 17, 2004, 118 Stat. 3853; Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, §612(b), Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1410; Pub. L. 109–347, title V, §501(b)(1), Oct. 13, 2006, 120 Stat. 1935; Pub. L. 110–53, title V, §531(b)(2), Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 334; Pub. L. 110–388, §1, Oct. 10, 2008, 122 Stat. 4144; Pub. L. 112–166, §2(f)(5), Aug. 10, 2012, 126 Stat. 1285; Pub. L. 114–125, title VIII, §802(g)(1)(A)(ii), Feb. 24, 2016, 130 Stat. 211; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title XIX, §§1901(a), 1903(a), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2665, 2672; Pub. L. 115–278, §2(g)(1), Nov. 16, 2018, 132 Stat. 4176; Pub. L. 115–387, §2(f)(1), Dec. 21, 2018, 132 Stat. 5168; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(b)(21), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4345.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Sections 2 and 44 of title 14, referred to in subsec. (c), redesignated sections 102 and 302, respectively, of title 14 by Pub. L. 115–282, title I, §§103(b), 104(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4195, 4196, and references to sections 2 and 44 of title 14 deemed to refer to such redesignated sections, see section 123(b)(1) of Pub. L. 115–282, set out as a References to Sections of Title 14 as Redesignated by Pub. L. 115–282 note preceding section 101 of Title 14, Coast Guard.

This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (c) and (f), 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.

The Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, referred to in subsec. (g)(3), is section 151(a) of title I of div. C of Pub. L. 105–277, Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–611, which enacted sections 3345 to 3349d of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, repealed former sections 3345 to 3349 of Title 5, and enacted provisions set out as a note under section 3345 of Title 5. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1998 Amendment note set out under section 3301 of Title 5 and Tables.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted "chapter 4 of title 5." for "the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.)."

2018—Subsec. (a)(1)(H). Pub. L. 115–278 amended subpar. (H) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (H) read as follows: "An Under Secretary responsible for overseeing critical infrastructure protection, cybersecurity, and other related programs of the Department."

Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 115–387 substituted "An Assistant Secretary for the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office" for "A Director for Domestic Nuclear Detection".

2016—Subsec. (a)(1)(C). Pub. L. 114–125, §802(g)(1)(A)(ii)(I), substituted "A Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection." for "An Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security."

Subsec. (a)(1)(F). Pub. L. 114–328, §1903(a)(1)(A), inserted ", who shall be first assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security for purposes of subchapter III of chapter 33 of title 5" before period at end.

Subsec. (a)(1)(G). Pub. L. 114–125, §802(g)(1)(A)(ii)(II), substituted "A Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement." for "A Director of the Office of Counternarcotics Enforcement."

Subsec. (a)(1)(K). Pub. L. 114–328, §1903(a)(1)(B), added subpar. (K).

Subsec. (d)(5). Pub. L. 114–328, §1901(a), added par. (5).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 114–328, §1903(a)(2), added subsec. (g).

2012—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–166 redesignated introductory provisions as introductory provisions of par. (1), inserted par. (1) heading, substituted "Except as provided under paragraph (2), there" for "There", redesignated pars. (1) to (10) as subpars. (A) to (J), respectively, of par. (1), and added par. (2).

2008—Subsec. (d)(3) to (5). Pub. L. 110–388 redesignated pars. (4) and (5) as (3) and (4), respectively, and struck out former par. (3) which read as follows: "A Chief Human Capital Officer."

2007—Subsec. (a)(8) to (10). Pub. L. 110–53 added par. (8) and redesignated former pars. (8) and (9) as (9) and (10), respectively.

2006—Subsec. (a)(2) to (4). Pub. L. 109–295, §612(b)(2), (3), redesignated pars. (3) to (5) as (2) to (4), respectively, and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "An Under Secretary for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection."

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 109–295, §612(b)(3), redesignated par. (6) as (5). Former par. (5) redesignated (4).

Pub. L. 109–295, §612(b)(1), added par. (5) and struck out former par. (5) which read as follows: "An Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response."

Subsec. (a)(6) to (10). Pub. L. 109–295, §612(b)(3), redesignated pars. (7) to (10) as (6) to (9), respectively. Former par. (6) redesignated (5).

Subsec. (d)(5). Pub. L. 109–347 added par. (5).

2004—Subsec. (a)(8) to (10). Pub. L. 108–458 added par. (8) and redesignated former pars. (8) and (9) as (9) and (10), respectively.

Subsec. (d)(4), (5). Pub. L. 108–330, §3(d)(1)(A)(i), redesignated par. (5) as (4) and struck out former par. (4) which read as follows: "A Chief Financial Officer."

Subsecs. (e), (f). Pub. L. 108–330, §3(d)(1)(A)(ii), (iii), added subsec. (e) and redesignated former subsec. (e) as (f).

2003—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 108–7 reenacted heading without change and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "There is an Inspector General, who shall be appointed as provided in section 3(a) of the Inspector General Act of 1978."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Any reference to the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in title VI of Pub. L. 109–295 or an amendment by title VI to be considered to refer and apply to the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency until Mar. 31, 2007, see section 612(f)(2) of Pub. L. 109–295, set out as a note under section 313 of this title.

Effective Date of 2012 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–166, §6(a), Aug. 10, 2012, 126 Stat. 1295, provided that: "The amendments made by section 2 [see Tables for classification] shall take effect 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 10, 2012] and apply to appointments made on and after that effective date, including any nomination pending in the Senate on that date."

Under Secretary Responsible for Overseeing Critical Infrastructure Protection, Cybersecurity and Related Programs Authorized To Serve as Director of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security

For authorization of individual serving as Under Secretary responsible for overseeing critical infrastructure protection, cybersecurity and related programs on the day before Nov. 16, 2018, to continue to serve as Director of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security on and after such date, see section 2(b)(1) of Pub. L. 115–278, Nov. 16, 2018, 132 Stat. 4175, set out as a note under section 652 of this title.

1 See References in Text note below.
6 U.S.C. § 124i (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 1: HOMELAND SECURITY ORGANIZATION / Subchapter II: INFORMATION ANALYSIS / Section 124i: Homeland Security Information Sharing Fellows Program
Homeland Security Information Sharing Fellows Program
Status: in_force

(a) Establishment

(1) In general

The Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis, and in consultation with the Chief Human Capital Officer, shall establish a fellowship program in accordance with this section for the purpose of—

(A) detailing State, local, and tribal law enforcement officers and intelligence analysts to the Department in accordance with subchapter VI of chapter 33 of title 5 to participate in the work of the Office of Intelligence and Analysis in order to become familiar with—

(i) the relevant missions and capabilities of the Department and other Federal agencies; and

(ii) the role, programs, products, and personnel of the Office of Intelligence and Analysis; and

(B) promoting information sharing between the Department and State, local, and tribal law enforcement officers and intelligence analysts by assigning such officers and analysts to—

(i) serve as a point of contact in the Department to assist in the representation of State, local, and tribal information requirements;

(ii) identify information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information, that is of interest to State, local, and tribal law enforcement officers, intelligence analysts, and other emergency response providers;

(iii) assist Department analysts in preparing and disseminating products derived from information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information, that are tailored to State, local, and tribal law enforcement officers and intelligence analysts and designed to prepare for and thwart acts of terrorism; and

(iv) assist Department analysts in preparing products derived from information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information, that are tailored to State, local, and tribal emergency response providers and assist in the dissemination of such products through appropriate Department channels.

(2) Program name

The program under this section shall be known as the "Homeland Security Information Sharing Fellows Program".

(b) Eligibility

(1) In general

In order to be eligible for selection as an Information Sharing Fellow under the program under this section, an individual shall—

(A) have homeland security-related responsibilities;

(B) be eligible for an appropriate security clearance;

(C) possess a valid need for access to classified information, as determined by the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis;

(D) be an employee of an eligible entity; and

(E) have undergone appropriate privacy and civil liberties training that is developed, supported, or sponsored by the Privacy Officer and the Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, in consultation with the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board established under section 2000ee of title 42.

(2) Eligible entities

In this subsection, the term "eligible entity" means—

(A) a State, local, or regional fusion center;

(B) a State or local law enforcement or other government entity that serves a major metropolitan area, suburban area, or rural area, as determined by the Secretary;

(C) a State or local law enforcement or other government entity with port, border, or agricultural responsibilities, as determined by the Secretary;

(D) a tribal law enforcement or other authority; or

(E) such other entity as the Secretary determines is appropriate.

(c) Optional participation

No State, local, or tribal law enforcement or other government entity shall be required to participate in the Homeland Security Information Sharing Fellows Program.

(d) Procedures for nomination and selection

(1) In general

The Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis shall establish procedures to provide for the nomination and selection of individuals to participate in the Homeland Security Information Sharing Fellows Program.

(2) Limitations

The Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis shall—

(A) select law enforcement officers and intelligence analysts representing a broad cross-section of State, local, and tribal agencies; and

(B) ensure that the number of Information Sharing Fellows selected does not impede the activities of the Office of Intelligence and Analysis.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title II, §210B, as added Pub. L. 110–53, title V, §512(a), Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 324.)
6 U.S.C. § 351 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 1: HOMELAND SECURITY ORGANIZATION / Subchapter VII: MANAGEMENT / Section 351: Employee engagement
Employee engagement
Status: in_force

(a) Steering committee

Not later than 120 days after December 27, 2021, the Secretary shall establish an employee engagement steering committee, including representatives from operational components, headquarters, and field personnel, including supervisory and nonsupervisory personnel, and employee labor organizations that represent Department employees, and chaired by the Under Secretary for Management, to carry out the following activities:

(1) Identify factors that have a negative impact on employee engagement, morale, and communications within the Department, such as perceptions about limitations on career progression, mobility, or development opportunities, collected through employee feedback platforms, including through annual employee surveys, questionnaires, and other communications, as appropriate.

(2) Identify, develop, and distribute initiatives and best practices to improve employee engagement, morale, and communications within the Department, including through annual employee surveys, questionnaires, and other communications, as appropriate.

(3) Monitor efforts of each component to address employee engagement, morale, and communications based on employee feedback provided through annual employee surveys, questionnaires, and other communications, as appropriate.

(4) Advise the Secretary on efforts to improve employee engagement, morale, and communications within specific components and across the Department.

(5) Conduct regular meetings and report, not less than once per quarter, to the Under Secretary for Management, the head of each component, and the Secretary on Departmentwide efforts to improve employee engagement, morale, and communications.

(b) Action plan; reporting

The Secretary, acting through the Chief Human Capital Officer, shall—

(1) not later than 120 days after the date of the establishment of the employee engagement steering committee under subsection (a), issue a Departmentwide employee engagement action plan, reflecting input from the steering committee and employee feedback provided through annual employee surveys, questionnaires, and other communications in accordance with paragraph (1) of such subsection, to execute strategies to improve employee engagement, morale, and communications within the Department; and

(2) require the head of each component to—

(A) develop and implement a component-specific employee engagement plan to advance the action plan required under paragraph (1) that includes performance measures and objectives, is informed by employee feedback provided through annual employee surveys, questionnaires, and other communications, as appropriate, and sets forth how employees and, where applicable, their labor representatives are to be integrated in developing programs and initiatives;

(B) monitor progress on implementation of such action plan; and

(C) provide to the Chief Human Capital Officer and the steering committee quarterly reports on actions planned and progress made under this paragraph.

(c) Termination

This section shall terminate on the date that is five years after December 27, 2021.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title VII, §711, as added Pub. L. 117–81, div. F, title LXIV, §6401(a), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2397.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Submissions to Congress

Pub. L. 117–81, div. F, title LXIV, §6401(c), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2398, provided that:

"(1) Department-wide employee engagement action plan.—The Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Chief Human Capital Officer of the Department of Homeland Security, 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 the Department-wide employee engagement action plan required under subsection (b)(1) of section 711 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 [this section] (as added by subsection (a) of this section) not later than 30 days after the issuance of such plan under such subsection (b)(1).

"(2) Component-specific employee engagement plans.—Each head of a component of the Department of Homeland Security 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 the component-specific employee engagement plan of each such component required under subsection (b)(2) of section 711 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 [this section] not later than 30 days after the issuance of each such plan under such subsection (b)(2)."
6 U.S.C. § 1163 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 4: TRANSPORTATION SECURITY / Subchapter IV: SURFACE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY / Section 1163: Railroad security assistance
Railroad security assistance
Status: in_force

(a) Security improvement grants

(1) The Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration and other appropriate agencies or officials, is authorized to make grants to railroad carriers, the Alaska Railroad, security-sensitive materials offerors who ship by railroad, owners of railroad cars used in the transportation of security-sensitive materials, State and local governments (for railroad passenger facilities and infrastructure not owned by Amtrak), and Amtrak for intercity passenger railroad and freight railroad security improvements described in subsection (b) as approved by the Secretary.

(2) A railroad carrier is eligible for a grant under this section if the carrier has completed a vulnerability assessment and developed a security plan that the Secretary has approved in accordance with section 1162 of this title.

(3) A recipient of a grant under this section may use grant funds only for permissible uses under subsection (b) to further a railroad security plan that meets the requirements of paragraph (2).

(4) Notwithstanding the requirement for eligibility and uses of funds in paragraphs (2) and (3), a railroad carrier is eligible for a grant under this section if the applicant uses the funds solely for the development of assessments or security plans under section 1162 of this title.

(5) Notwithstanding the requirements for eligibility and uses of funds in paragraphs (2) and (3), prior to the earlier of 1 year after the date of issuance of final regulations requiring vulnerability assessments and security plans under section 1162 of this title or 3 years after August 3, 2007, the Secretary may award grants under this section for rail security improvements listed under subsection (b) based upon railroad carrier vulnerability assessments and security plans that the Secretary determines are sufficient for the purposes of this section but have not been approved by the Secretary in accordance with section 1162 of this title.

(b) Uses of funds

A recipient of a grant under this section shall use the grant funds for one or more of the following:

(1) Security and redundancy for critical communications, computer, and train control systems essential for secure railroad operations, including communications interoperability where appropriate with relevant outside agencies and entities.

(2) Accommodation of railroad cargo or passenger security inspection facilities, related infrastructure, and operations at or near United States international borders or other ports of entry.

(3) The security of security-sensitive materials transportation by railroad.

(4) Chemical, biological, radiological, or explosive detection, including canine patrols for such detection.

(5) The security and preparedness of intercity passenger railroad stations, trains, and infrastructure, including security capital improvement projects that the Secretary determines enhance railroad station security.

(6) Technologies to reduce the vulnerabilities of railroad cars, including structural modification of railroad cars transporting security-sensitive materials to improve their resistance to acts of terrorism.

(7) The sharing of intelligence and information about security threats and preparedness, including connectivity to the National Terrorist Screening Center.

(8) To obtain train tracking and communications equipment, including equipment that is interoperable with Federal, State, and local agencies and tribal governments.

(9) To hire, train, and employ police, security, and preparedness officers, including canine units, assigned to full-time security or counterterrorism duties related to railroad transportation.

(10) Overtime reimbursement, including reimbursement of State, local, and tribal governments for costs, for enhanced security personnel assigned to duties related to railroad security during periods of high or severe threat levels and National Special Security Events or other periods of heightened security as determined by the Secretary.

(11) Perimeter protection systems, including access control, installation of improved lighting, fencing, and barricades at railroad facilities.

(12) Tunnel protection systems.

(13) Passenger evacuation and evacuation-related capital improvements.

(14) Railroad security inspection technologies, including verified visual inspection technologies using hand-held readers.

(15) Surveillance equipment.

(16) Cargo or passenger screening equipment.

(17) Emergency response equipment, including fire suppression and decontamination equipment, personal protective equipment, and defibrillators.

(18) Operating and capital costs associated with security awareness, preparedness, and response training, including training under section 1167 of this title, and training developed by universities, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit employee labor organizations, for railroad employees, including frontline employees.

(19) Live or simulated exercises, including exercises described in section 1166 of this title.

(20) Public awareness campaigns for enhanced railroad security.

(21) Development of assessments or security plans under section 1162 of this title.

(22) Other security improvements—

(A) identified, required, or recommended under sections 1161 and 1162 of this title, including infrastructure, facilities, and equipment upgrades; or

(B) that the Secretary considers appropriate.

(c) Department of Homeland Security responsibilities

In carrying out the responsibilities under subsection (a), the Secretary shall—

(1) determine the requirements for recipients of grants;

(2) establish priorities for uses of funds for grant recipients;

(3) award the funds authorized by this section based on risk, as identified by the plans required under sections 1161 and 1162 of this title, or assessment or plan described in subsection (a)(5);

(4) take into account whether stations or facilities are used by commuter railroad passengers as well as intercity railroad passengers in reviewing grant applications;

(5) encourage non-Federal financial participation in projects funded by grants; and

(6) not later than 5 business days after awarding a grant to Amtrak under this section, transfer grant funds to the Secretary of Transportation to be disbursed to Amtrak.

(d) Multiyear awards

Grant funds awarded under this section may be awarded for projects that span multiple years.

(e) Limitation on uses of funds

A grant made under this section may not be used to make any State or local government cost-sharing contribution under any other Federal law.

(f) Annual reports

Each recipient of a grant under this section shall report annually to the Secretary on the use of grant funds.

(g) Non-Federal match study

Not later than 240 days after August 3, 2007, the Secretary shall provide a report to the appropriate congressional committees on the feasibility and appropriateness of requiring a non-Federal match for grants awarded to freight railroad carriers and other private entities under this section.

(h) Subject to certain standards

A recipient of a grant under this section and sections 1164 and 1165 of this title shall be required to comply with the standards of section 24312 of title 49, as in effect on January 1, 2007, with respect to the project in the same manner as Amtrak is required to comply with such standards for construction work financed under an agreement made under section 24308(a) of that title.

(i) Authorization of appropriations

(1) In general

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

(A) $300,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;

(B) $300,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;

(C) $300,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and

(D) $300,000,000 for fiscal year 2011.

(2) Period of availability

Sums appropriated to carry out this section shall remain available until expended.

(Pub. L. 110–53, title XV, §1513, Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 433; Pub. L. 115–254, div. K, title I, §1973(a), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3614.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 114(w) of title 49, referred to in subsec. (i)(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.

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 115–254, §1973(a)(1), substituted ", including communications interoperability where appropriate with relevant outside agencies and entities." for period at end.

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 115–254, §1973(a)(2), substituted "security and preparedness of" for "security of".

Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 115–254, §1973(a)(3), substituted "security threats and preparedness, including connectivity to the National Terrorist Screening Center" for "security threats".

Subsec. (b)(9). Pub. L. 115–254, §1973(a)(4), substituted ", security, and preparedness officers" for "and security officers".

1 See References in Text note below.
6 U.S.C. § 1505 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 6: CYBERSECURITY / Subchapter I: CYBERSECURITY INFORMATION SHARING / Section 1505: Protection from liability
Protection from liability
Status: in_force

(a) Monitoring of information systems

No cause of action shall lie or be maintained in any court against any private entity, and such action shall be promptly dismissed, for the monitoring of an information system and information under section 1503(a) of this title that is conducted in accordance with this subchapter.

(b) Sharing or receipt of cyber threat indicators

No cause of action shall lie or be maintained in any court against any private entity, and such action shall be promptly dismissed, for the sharing or receipt of a cyber threat indicator or defensive measure under section 1503(c) of this title if—

(1) such sharing or receipt is conducted in accordance with this subchapter; and

(2) in a case in which a cyber threat indicator or defensive measure is shared with the Federal Government, the cyber threat indicator or defensive measure is shared in a manner that is consistent with section 1504(c)(1)(B) of this title and the sharing or receipt, as the case may be, occurs after the earlier of—

(A) the date on which the interim policies and procedures are submitted to Congress under section 1504(a)(1) of this title and guidelines are submitted to Congress under section 1504(b)(1) of this title; or

(B) the date that is 60 days after December 18, 2015.

(c) Construction

Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed—

(1) to create—

(A) a duty to share a cyber threat indicator or defensive measure; or

(B) a duty to warn or act based on the receipt of a cyber threat indicator or defensive measure; or

(2) to undermine or limit the availability of otherwise applicable common law or statutory defenses.

(Pub. L. 114–113, div. N, title I, §106, Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2950.)
6 U.S.C. § 1151 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 4: TRANSPORTATION SECURITY / Subchapter IV: SURFACE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY / Section 1151: Definitions
Definitions
Status: in_force

In this subchapter, the following definitions apply:

(1) Appropriate congressional committees

The term "appropriate congressional committees" means the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.

(2) Secretary

The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Homeland Security.

(3) Department

The term "Department" means the Department of Homeland Security.

(4) Over-the-road bus

The term "over-the-road bus" means a bus characterized by an elevated passenger deck located over a baggage compartment.

(5) Over-the-road bus frontline employees

In this section,1 the term "over-the-road bus frontline employees" means over-the-road bus drivers, security personnel, dispatchers, maintenance and maintenance support personnel, ticket agents, other terminal employees, and other employees of an over-the-road bus operator or terminal owner or operator that the Secretary determines should receive security training under this subchapter.

(6) Railroad frontline employees

In this section,1 the term "railroad frontline employees" means security personnel, dispatchers, locomotive engineers, conductors, trainmen, other onboard employees, maintenance and maintenance support personnel, bridge tenders, and any other employees of railroad carriers that the Secretary determines should receive security training under this subchapter.

(7) Railroad

The term "railroad" has the meaning that term has in section 20102 of title 49.

(8) Railroad carrier

The term "railroad carrier" has the meaning that term has in section 20102 of title 49.

(9) State

The term "State" means any one of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and any other territory or possession of the United States.

(10) Terrorism

The term "terrorism" has the meaning that term has in section 101 of this title.

(11) Transportation

The term "transportation", as used with respect to an over-the-road bus, means the movement of passengers or property by an over-the-road bus—

(A) in the jurisdiction of the United States between a place in a State and a place outside the State (including a place outside the United States); or

(B) in a State that affects trade, traffic, and transportation described in subparagraph (A).

(12) United States

The term "United States" means the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and any other territory or possession of the United States.

(13) Security-sensitive material

The term "security-sensitive material" means a material, or a group or class of material, in a particular amount and form that the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, determines, through a rulemaking with opportunity for public comment, poses a significant risk to national security while being transported in commerce due to the potential use of the material in an act of terrorism. In making such a designation, the Secretary shall, at a minimum, consider the following:

(A) Class 7 radioactive materials.

(B) Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives.

(C) Materials poisonous or toxic by inhalation, including Division 2.3 gases and Division 6.1 materials.

(D) A select agent or toxin regulated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under part 73 of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations.

(14) Disadvantaged business concerns

The term "disadvantaged business concerns" means small businesses that are owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals as defined in section 124,2 of title 13, Code of Federal Regulations.

(15) Amtrak

The term "Amtrak" means the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.

(Pub. L. 110–53, title XV, §1501, Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 422.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This subchapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this title", meaning title XV of Pub. L. 110–53, Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 422, which enacted this subchapter, amended section 1992 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, and sections 114, 5103a, 14504, 20106, 20109, 24301, 28101, and 31105 of Title 49, Transportation, enacted provisions set out as notes under sections 13908 and 14504 of Title 49, and amended provisions set out as a note under section 14504 of Title 49. For complete classification of title XV to the Code, see Tables.

1 So in original. "In this section," probably should not appear.

2 So in original. Probably should be "part 124,".
6 U.S.C. § 571 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 1: HOMELAND SECURITY ORGANIZATION / Subchapter XIII: EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS / Section 571: Emergency Communications Division
Emergency Communications Division
Status: in_force

(a) In general

There is established in the Department an Emergency Communications Division. The Division shall be located in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

(b) Executive Assistant Director

The head of the Division shall be the Executive Assistant Director for Emergency Communications (in this section referred to as the "Executive Assistant Director"). The Executive Assistant Director shall report to the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. All decisions of the Executive Assistant Director that entail the exercise of significant authority shall be subject to the approval of the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

(c) Responsibilities

The Executive Assistant Director shall—

(1) assist the Secretary in developing and implementing the program described in section 194(a)(1) of this title, except as provided in section 195 of this title;

(2) administer the Department's responsibilities and authorities relating to the SAFECOM Program, excluding elements related to research, development, testing, and evaluation and standards;

(3) administer the Department's responsibilities and authorities relating to the Integrated Wireless Network program;

(4) conduct extensive, nationwide outreach to support and promote the ability of emergency response providers and relevant government officials to continue to communicate in the event of natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters;

(5) conduct extensive, nationwide outreach and foster the development of interoperable emergency communications capabilities by State, regional, local, and tribal governments and public safety agencies, and by regional consortia thereof;

(6) provide technical assistance to State, regional, local, and tribal government officials with respect to use of interoperable emergency communications capabilities;

(7) coordinate with the Regional Administrators regarding the activities of Regional Emergency Communications Coordination Working Groups under section 575 of this title;

(8) promote the development of standard operating procedures and best practices with respect to use of interoperable emergency communications capabilities for incident response, and facilitate the sharing of information on such best practices for achieving, maintaining, and enhancing interoperable emergency communications capabilities for such response;

(9) coordinate, in cooperation with the National Communications System, the establishment of a national response capability with initial and ongoing planning, implementation, and training for the deployment of communications equipment for relevant State, local, and tribal governments and emergency response providers in the event of a catastrophic loss of local and regional emergency communications services;

(10) assist the President, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget in ensuring the continued operation of the telecommunications functions and responsibilities of the Federal Government, excluding spectrum management;

(11) establish, in coordination with the Director of the Office for Interoperability and Compatibility, requirements for interoperable emergency communications capabilities, which shall be nonproprietary where standards for such capabilities exist, for all public safety radio and data communications systems and equipment purchased using homeland security assistance administered by the Department, excluding any alert and warning device, technology, or system;

(12) review, in consultation with the Assistant Secretary for Grants and Training, all interoperable emergency communications plans of Federal, State, local, and tribal governments, including Statewide and tactical interoperability plans, developed pursuant to homeland security assistance administered by the Department, but excluding spectrum allocation and management related to such plans;

(13) develop and update periodically, as appropriate, a National Emergency Communications Plan under section 572 of this title;

(14) perform such other duties of the Department necessary to support and promote the ability of emergency response providers and relevant government officials to continue to communicate in the event of natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters;

(15) perform other duties of the Department necessary to achieve the goal of and maintain and enhance interoperable emergency communications capabilities; and

(16) fully participate in the mechanisms required under section 652(c)(7) of this title.

(d) Performance of previously transferred functions

The Secretary shall transfer to, and administer through, the Executive Assistant Director the following programs and responsibilities:

(1) The SAFECOM Program, excluding elements related to research, development, testing, and evaluation and standards.

(2) The responsibilities of the Chief Information Officer related to the implementation of the Integrated Wireless Network.

(3) The Interoperable Communications Technical Assistance Program.

(e) Coordination

The Executive Assistant Director shall coordinate—

(1) as appropriate, with the Director of the Office for Interoperability and Compatibility with respect to the responsibilities described in section 195 of this title; and

(2) with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency with respect to the responsibilities described in this subchapter.

(f) Sufficiency of resources plan

(1) Report

Not later than 120 days after October 4, 2006, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the resources and staff necessary to carry out fully the responsibilities under this subchapter.

(2) Comptroller General review

The Comptroller General shall review the validity of the report submitted by the Secretary under paragraph (1). Not later than 60 days after the date on which such report is submitted, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report containing the findings of such review.

(g) Reference

Any reference to the Assistant Director for Emergency Communications in any law, regulation, map, document, record, or other paper of the United States shall be deemed to be a reference to the Executive Assistant Director for Emergency Communications.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title XVIII, §1801, as added Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, §671(b), Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1433; amended Pub. L. 115–278, §2(g)(6)(A), Nov. 16, 2018, 132 Stat. 4179; Pub. L. 116–283, div. H, title XC, §9001(e)(1), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4767; Pub. L. 117–263, div. G, title LXXI, §7143(c)(3), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3662.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Another section 1801 of Pub. L. 107–296 was renumbered section 1901 and is classified to section 591 of this title.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 117–263 substituted "Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency" for "Director of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security" in two places.

2021—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 116–283, §9001(e)(1)(A), in heading, substituted "Executive Assistant Director" for "Assistant Director" and, in text, substituted "Executive Assistant Director for Emergency Communications (in this section referred to as the 'Executive Assistant Director')." for "Assistant Director for Emergency Communications." and "Executive Assistant Director" for "Assistant Director" in two places.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 116–283, §9001(e)(1)(B), substituted "Executive Assistant Director" for "Assistant Director for Emergency Communications" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 116–283, §9001(e)(1)(C), substituted "Executive Assistant Director" for "Assistant Director for Emergency Communications" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 116–283, §9001(e)(1)(D), substituted "Executive Assistant Director" for "Assistant Director for Emergency Communications" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 116–283, §9001(e)(1)(E), added subsec. (g).

2018—Pub. L. 115–278, §2(g)(6)(A)(i), substituted "Emergency Communications Division" for "Office of Emergency Communications" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–278, §2(g)(6)(A)(ii), substituted "Emergency Communications Division" for "Office of Emergency Communications" and inserted at end "The Division shall be located in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–278, §2(g)(6)(A)(iii), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The head of the office shall be the Director for Emergency Communications. The Director shall report to the Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity and Communications."

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–278, §2(g)(6)(A)(iv)(I), inserted "Assistant" before "Director" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(16). Pub. L. 115–278, §2(g)(6)(A)(iv)(II)–(IV), added par. (16).

Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 115–278, §2(g)(6)(A)(v), (vi), inserted "Assistant" before "Director" in introductory provisions.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Pub. L. 115–278, §2(c), Nov. 16, 2018, 132 Stat. 4175, provided that: "Any reference to—

"(1) the Office of Emergency Communications in any law, regulation, map, document, record, or other paper of the United States shall be deemed to be a reference to the Emergency Communications Division; and

"(2) the Director for Emergency Communications in any law, regulation, map, document, record, or other paper of the United States shall be deemed to be a reference to the Assistant Director for Emergency Communications."

Any reference to the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in title VI of Pub. L. 109–295 or an amendment by title VI to be considered to refer and apply to the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency until Mar. 31, 2007, see section 612(f)(2) of Pub. L. 109–295, set out as a note under section 313 of this title.

Savings Clause

Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, §675, Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1444, provided that: "Nothing in this subtitle [subtitle D (§§671–675) of title VI of Pub. L. 109–295, enacting this subchapter and sections 195 and 195a of this title and provisions set out as a note under section 101 of this title] shall be construed to transfer to the Office of Emergency Communications any function, personnel, asset, component, authority, grant program, or liability of the Federal Emergency Management Agency as constituted on June 1, 2006."

Rule of Construction

Nothing in amendment made by Pub. L. 117–263 to be construed to alter the authorities, responsibilities, functions, or activities of any agency (as such term is defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502) or officer or employee of the United States on or before Dec. 23, 2022, see section 7143(f)(1) of Pub. L. 117–263, set out as a note under section 650 of this title.

Continuation in Office

Pub. L. 116–283, div. H, title XC, §9001(e)(2), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4768, provided that: "The individual serving as the Assistant Director for Emergency Communications of the Department of Homeland Security on the day before the date of enactment of this Act [Jan. 1, 2021] may serve as the Executive Assistant Director for Emergency Communications on and after that date."

Director for Emergency Communications Authorized To Serve as Assistant Director of Emergency Communications

Pub. L. 115–278, §2(b)(2), Nov. 16, 2018, 132 Stat. 4175, provided that: "The individual serving as the Director for Emergency Communications of the Department of Homeland Security on the day before the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 16, 2018] may continue to serve as the Assistant Director for Emergency Communications of the Department on and after such date."
6 U.S.C. § 1533 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 6: CYBERSECURITY / Subchapter III: OTHER CYBER MATTERS / Section 1533: Improving cybersecurity in the health care industry
Improving cybersecurity in the health care industry
Status: in_force

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Appropriate congressional committees

The term "appropriate congressional committees" means—

(A) the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; and

(B) the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the Committee on Homeland Security, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives.

(2) Business associate

The term "business associate" has the meaning given such term in section 160.103 of title 45, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the day before December 18, 2015).

(3) Covered entity

The term "covered entity" has the meaning given such term in section 160.103 of title 45, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the day before December 18, 2015).

(4) Cybersecurity threat; cyber threat indicator; defensive measure; Federal entity; non-Federal entity; private entity

The terms "cybersecurity threat", "cyber threat indicator", "defensive measure", "Federal entity", "non-Federal entity", and "private entity" have the meanings given such terms in section 1501 of this title.

(5) Health care clearinghouse; health care provider; health plan

The terms "health care clearinghouse", "health care provider", and "health plan" have the meanings given such terms in section 160.103 of title 45, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the day before December 18, 2015).

(6) Health care industry stakeholder

The term "health care industry stakeholder" means any—

(A) health plan, health care clearinghouse, or health care provider;

(B) advocate for patients or consumers;

(C) pharmacist;

(D) developer or vendor of health information technology;

(E) laboratory;

(F) pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturer; or

(G) additional stakeholder the Secretary determines necessary for purposes of subsection (b)(1), (c)(1), (c)(3), or (d)(1).

(7) Secretary

The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

(b) Report

(1) In general

Not later than 1 year after December 18, 2015, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report on the preparedness of the Department of Health and Human Services and health care industry stakeholders in responding to cybersecurity threats.

(2) Contents of report

With respect to the internal response of the Department of Health and Human Services to emerging cybersecurity threats, the report under paragraph (1) shall include—

(A) a clear statement of the official within the Department of Health and Human Services to be responsible for leading and coordinating efforts of the Department regarding cybersecurity threats in the health care industry; and

(B) a plan from each relevant operating division and subdivision of the Department of Health and Human Services on how such division or subdivision will address cybersecurity threats in the health care industry, including a clear delineation of how each such division or subdivision will divide responsibility among the personnel of such division or subdivision and communicate with other such divisions and subdivisions regarding efforts to address such threats.

(c) Health care industry cybersecurity task force

(1) In general

Not later than 90 days after December 18, 2015, the Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall convene health care industry stakeholders, cybersecurity experts, and any Federal agencies or entities the Secretary determines appropriate to establish a task force to—

(A) analyze how industries, other than the health care industry, have implemented strategies and safeguards for addressing cybersecurity threats within their respective industries;

(B) analyze challenges and barriers private entities (excluding any State, tribal, or local government) in the health care industry face securing themselves against cyber attacks;

(C) review challenges that covered entities and business associates face in securing networked medical devices and other software or systems that connect to an electronic health record;

(D) provide the Secretary with information to disseminate to health care industry stakeholders of all sizes for purposes of improving their preparedness for, and response to, cybersecurity threats affecting the health care industry;

(E) establish a plan for implementing subchapter I of this chapter, so that the Federal Government and health care industry stakeholders may in real time, share actionable cyber threat indicators and defensive measures; and

(F) report to the appropriate congressional committees on the findings and recommendations of the task force regarding carrying out subparagraphs (A) through (E).

(2) Termination

The task force established under this subsection shall terminate on the date that is 1 year after the date on which such task force is established.

(3) Dissemination

Not later than 60 days after the termination of the task force established under this subsection, the Secretary shall disseminate the information described in paragraph (1)(D) to health care industry stakeholders in accordance with such paragraph.

(d) Aligning health care industry security approaches

(1) In general

The Secretary shall establish, through a collaborative process with the Secretary of Homeland Security, health care industry stakeholders, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and any Federal entity or non-Federal entity the Secretary determines appropriate, a common set of voluntary, consensus-based, and industry-led guidelines, best practices, methodologies, procedures, and processes that—

(A) serve as a resource for cost-effectively reducing cybersecurity risks for a range of health care organizations;

(B) support voluntary adoption and implementation efforts to improve safeguards to address cybersecurity threats;

(C) are consistent with—

(i) the standards, guidelines, best practices, methodologies, procedures, and processes developed under section 272(c)(15) of title 15;

(ii) the security and privacy regulations promulgated under section 264(c) of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (42 U.S.C. 1320d–2 note); and

(iii) the provisions of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (title XIII of division A, and title IV of division B, of Public Law 111–5), and the amendments made by such Act; and

(D) are updated on a regular basis and applicable to a range of health care organizations.

(2) Limitation

Nothing in this subsection shall be interpreted as granting the Secretary authority to—

(A) provide for audits to ensure that health care organizations are in compliance with this subsection; or

(B) mandate, direct, or condition the award of any Federal grant, contract, or purchase, on compliance with this subsection.

(3) No liability for nonparticipation

Nothing in this section shall be construed to subject a health care industry stakeholder to liability for choosing not to engage in the voluntary activities authorized or guidelines developed under this subsection.

(e) Incorporating ongoing activities

In carrying out the activities under this section, the Secretary may incorporate activities that are ongoing as of the day before December 18, 2015 and that are consistent with the objectives of this section.

(f) Rule of construction

Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the antitrust exemption under section 1503(e) of this title or the protection from liability under section 1505 of this title.

(Pub. L. 114–113, div. N, title IV, §405, Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2981.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 264(c) of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, referred to subsec. (d)(1)(C)(ii), is section 264(c) of Pub. L. 104–191, which is set out as a note under section 1320d–2 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(1)(C)(iii), is title XIII of div. A and title IV of div. B of Pub. L. 111–5, Feb. 17, 2009, 123 Stat. 226, 467, also known as the HITECH Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 2009 Amendment note set out under section 201 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and Tables.
6 U.S.C. § 771 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 2: NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT / Subchapter II: COMPREHENSIVE PREPAREDNESS SYSTEM / Section 771: National Disaster Recovery Strategy
National Disaster Recovery Strategy
Status: in_force

(a) In general

The Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Transportation, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs of the Department of the Interior, and the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies, State, local, and tribal government officials (including through the National Advisory Council), and representatives of appropriate nongovernmental organizations shall develop, coordinate, and maintain a National Disaster Recovery Strategy to serve as a guide to recovery efforts after major disasters and emergencies.

(b) Contents

The National Disaster Recovery Strategy shall—

(1) outline the most efficient and cost-effective Federal programs that will meet the recovery needs of States, local and tribal governments, and individuals and households affected by a major disaster;

(2) clearly define the role, programs, authorities, and responsibilities of each Federal agency that may be of assistance in providing assistance in the recovery from a major disaster;

(3) promote the use of the most appropriate and cost-effective building materials (based on the hazards present in an area) in any area affected by a major disaster, with the goal of encouraging the construction of disaster-resistant buildings; and

(4) describe in detail the programs that may be offered by the agencies described in paragraph (2), including—

(A) discussing funding issues;

(B) detailing how responsibilities under the National Disaster Recovery Strategy will be shared; and

(C) addressing other matters concerning the cooperative effort to provide recovery assistance.

(c) Report

(1) In general

Not later than 270 days after October 4, 2006, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report describing in detail the National Disaster Recovery Strategy and any additional authorities necessary to implement any portion of the National Disaster Recovery Strategy.

(2) Update

The Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report updating the report submitted under paragraph (1)—

(A) on the same date that any change is made to the National Disaster Recovery Strategy; and

(B) on a periodic basis after the submission of the report under paragraph (1), but not less than once every 5 years after the date of the submission of the report under paragraph (1).

(Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, §682, Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1445.)