Summary:
Secure Our Borders First Act of 2015

 (Sec. 2) Directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to submit Border Security Verification Commission (BSVC) and Government Accountability Office reports, at specified intervals, that assess the state of situational awareness and operational control along the northern and southern U.S. land borders, including an identification of the high traffic areas and the unlawful border crossing effectiveness rate for each sector along such borders that are within the responsibility of the Border Patrol.

Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress and the BSVC regarding the verification of the data and methodology used to determine high traffic areas and the unlawful border crossing effectiveness rate.

(Sec. 3) Directs DHS to: (1) submit and implement an operational plan to gain and maintain situational awareness and operational control of high traffic areas within two years after enactment of this Act and operational control and situational awareness along the southern border within five years; and (2) notify Congress that such objectives have been obtained and maintained, which notification shall be certified by the BSVC.

Specifies: (1) additional capabilities to be deployed within one year after enactment of this Act to the San Diego, El Centro, Yuma, Tucson, El Paso, Big Bend, Del Rio, Laredo, and Rio Grande Valley sectors and the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean and Gulf Maritime regions to achieve situational awareness and operational control of the southern border; (2) fencing to be constructed or replaced within 18 months after enactment of this Act in the Border Patrol's San Diego, El Centro, Yuma, Tucson, Rio Grande Valley, Del Rio, El Centro, Yuma, El Paso, and Big Bend sectors; (3) road construction or maintenance projects to be completed within 18 months after enactment of this Act in the San Diego, El Centro, Yuma, Tucson, Big Bend, El Paso, Del Rio, Laredo, and Rio Grande Valley sectors; (4) boat ramps to be constructed in the Del Rio, Laredo, and Rio Grande Valley sectors; (5) access gates to be constructed in the Rio Grande Valley sector; and (6) forward operating bases to be constructed in the El Paso, Tucson, Big Bend, Del Rio, Laredo, and Rio Grande sectors.

Directs the Border Patrol to coordinate with the heads of each relevant federal and state agency to eradicate the Carrizo cane plant along the Rio Grande River.

Requires: (1) the Border Patrol to develop metrics to measure the effectiveness of security between ports of entry, (2) U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to develop metrics to measure the effectiveness of security at ports of entry, (3) the Coast Guard and the CBP to jointly implement metrics to measure the effectiveness of security in the maritime environment, and (4) the CBP to implement metrics to measure the effectiveness of security in the aviation environment. Requires the BSVC to assess and the Comptroller General to report on the statistical validity of the data and methodology used to develop such metrics.

(Sec. 4) Establishes the BSVC and a special congressional commission on border security to determine the criteria for recommending the three presidential appointees to the BSVC. Terminates the BSVC after determining the accuracy of the tenth annual metrics submission required under this Act.

(Sec. 5) Directs the Border Patrol to impose a consequence for each alien apprehended pursuant to the Border Patrol's Consequence Delivery System.

(Sec. 6) Requires the Border Patrol to: (1) direct its agents to patrol as close to the physical land border as possible, consistent with the accessibility to such areas; and (2) deploy the maximum practicable number of agents to forward operating bases along the U.S. southern land border to meet this Act's requirements.

(Sec. 7) Authorizes the Border Patrol to alter the capability deployment requirements of this Act: (1) for the southern border upon determining that the principal border security threats require alteration, and (2) for the northern border upon determining that the threat analysis required under this Act requires such alteration.

(Sec. 8) Authorizes the Department of Defense (DOD) to allocate additional DOD aviation assets to the southern border to assist DHS in achieving situational awareness and operational control.

(Sec. 9) Sets personnel levels for Border Patrol active duty agents, CBP's Office of Field Operations officers, and CBP's Office of Air and Marine agents.

(Sec. 10) Requires: (1) DHS to ensure not fewer than 130,000 annual flight hours of the Office of Air and Marine, and (2) the Office of Air and Marine to operate unmanned aerial systems not less than 16 hours per day, seven days per week. Directs such Office to report annually, describing the number of hours the Office operated unmanned aerial systems in a transit zone, on a land border, or on a maritime border or to assist other law enforcement agencies.

(Sec. 11) Requires the Office of Air and Marine to assign the greatest prioritization to support Border Patrol requests to gain and maintain situational awareness and operational control of high traffic areas and operational control and situational awareness along the southern border.

(Sec. 12) Authorizes the Border Patrol to transfer its agents, on a voluntary basis, to high traffic areas and to provide an incentive bonus for any such transfer.

(Sec. 13) Prohibits the Departments of the Interior or Agriculture from impeding, prohibiting, or restricting CBP activities on federal land located within 100 miles of the U.S. border with Mexico and the U.S. border with Canada to execute search and rescue operations and to prevent all unlawful entries into the United States.

Makes DHS's waiver on April 1, 2008, under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 of specified environmental and other laws applicable to all such federal land.

(Sec. 14) Directs DHS: (1) to submit an implementation plan to establish a biometric exit data system to complete the integrated biometric entry and exit data system; (2) within two years after enactment of this Act, to establish a biometric exit data system at the 15 U.S. airports and the 15 U.S. seaports that support the highest volume of international air and sea travel and at the 15 U.S. land ports of entry that support the highest volume of pedestrian crossings; and (3) within five years, to expand such system to all land, air, and sea ports of entry. Requires DHS to ensure that the collection of biometric data causes the least possible disruption to the movement of people or cargo in air, sea, or land transportation, while fulfilling the goals of improving counterterrorism efforts and identifying visa holders who violate the terms of their visas. Prohibits DHS from requiring any non-federal person to collect biometric data pursuant to the biometric exit data system, except through a contractual agreement.

Requires DHS to: (1) terminate the proceeding entitled "Collection of Alien Biometric Data Upon Exit From the United States at Air and Sea Ports of Departure," and (2) submit reports and recommendations of DHS's Science and Technology Directorate's Air Entry and Exit Re-Engineering Program and of CBP's entry and exit mobility program demonstrations.

Prohibits travel, training, bonuses, or salary increases for DHS political appointees if the metrics requirements, the objectives relating to the achievement of situational awareness and operational control, or the biometric exit data system requirements are not met.

(Sec. 15) Directs DHS to submit a northern border threat analysis, which shall include an analysis of:

 current and potential terrorism threats posed by individuals seeking to enter the United States through the northern border; improvements needed at ports of entry along the northern border to prevent terrorists and instruments of terror from entering the United States; gaps in law, policy, international agreements, or tribal agreements that hinder the border security and counter-terrorism efforts along the northern border; and unlawful cross border activity between ports of entry, including the maritime borders of the Great Lakes. Specifies additional capabilities to be deployed within 18 months after enactment of this Act to the Blaine, Spokane, Havre, Grand Forks, Detroit, Buffalo, Swanton, and Houlton sectors of the northern border.

(Sec. 16) Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish in DHS a program known as Operation Stonegarden, under which DHS shall make grants to law enforcement agencies in a state bordering Canada or Mexico or a state or territory with a maritime border to enhance border security. Requires an eligible law enforcement agency to be involved in an active ongoing CBP operation coordinated through a sector office. Permits a recipient to use a grant for equipment, personnel (including overtime and backfill) in support of enhanced border law enforcement activities, and any activity permitted under DHS's FY2014 Funding Opportunity Announcement for Operation Stonegarden. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY2015-FY2019.

(Sec. 17) Authorizes the sale or donation of certain excess personal property of DOD for border security activities.

(Sec. 18) Directs DOD to reimburse states for the cost of the deployment of any National Guard units or personnel to perform operations and missions under State Active Duty status in support of a southern border mission, subject to a specified cap.

(Sec. 19) Directs the Border Patrol to: (1) operate using intelligence-based operations to combat terrorist and transnational criminal threats along the international borders of the United States; and (2) coordinate with international, federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners.

(Sec. 20) Defines terms used in this Act, including defining "situational awareness" as knowledge and an understanding of current unlawful cross-border activity, the ability to forecast future shifts in such threats and trends, and the operational capability to conduct continuous and integrated surveillance of such borders.

(Sec. 21) Authorizes appropriations for FY2016-FY2025 to carry out this Act.

secure borders act sec directs department_of_homeland_security dhs submit border_security verification commission government_accountability_office reports specified intervals assess state situational awareness operational control northern southern land borders including identification high traffic areas unlawful border crossing effectiveness rate sector borders responsibility border_patrol requires comptroller_general report congress verification data methodology determine high traffic areas unlawful border crossing effectiveness rate sec directs dhs submit implement operational plan gain maintain situational awareness operational control high traffic areas years enactment act operational control situational awareness southern border years notify congress objectives obtained maintained notification shall certified specifies additional capabilities deployed year enactment act san_diego yuma tucson el_paso big bend del rio laredo rio_grande valley sectors eastern pacific caribbean gulf maritime regions achieve situational awareness operational control southern border fencing constructed replaced months enactment act border_patrol san_diego yuma tucson rio_grande valley del rio yuma el_paso big bend sectors road construction maintenance projects completed months enactment act san_diego yuma tucson big bend el_paso del rio laredo rio_grande valley sectors boat constructed del rio laredo rio_grande valley sectors access gates constructed rio_grande valley sector forward operating bases constructed el_paso tucson big bend del rio laredo rio_grande sectors directs border_patrol coordinate heads relevant federal state agency eradicate cane plant rio_grande river requires border_patrol develop metrics measure effectiveness security ports entry customs border_protection cbp develop metrics measure effectiveness security ports entry coast_guard cbp jointly implement metrics measure effectiveness security maritime environment cbp implement metrics measure effectiveness security aviation environment requires assess comptroller_general report statistical validity data methodology develop metrics sec establishes special congressional_commission border_security determine criteria recommending presidential appointees terminates determining accuracy tenth annual metrics submission required act sec directs border_patrol impose consequence alien apprehended pursuant border_patrol consequence delivery system sec requires border_patrol direct agents patrol close physical land border possible consistent accessibility areas deploy maximum practicable number agents forward operating bases southern land border meet act requirements sec authorizes border_patrol alter capability deployment requirements act southern border determining principal border_security threats require alteration northern border determining threat analysis required act requires alteration sec authorizes department_of_defense dod allocate additional dod aviation assets southern border assist dhs achieving situational awareness operational control sec sets personnel levels border_patrol active duty agents cbp office field operations officers cbp office air marine agents sec requires dhs ensure fewer annual flight hours office air marine office air marine operate unmanned aerial systems hours day seven days week directs office report annually describing number hours office operated unmanned aerial systems transit zone land border maritime border assist law enforcement agencies sec requires office air marine assign greatest prioritization support border_patrol requests gain maintain situational awareness operational control high traffic areas operational control situational awareness southern border sec authorizes border_patrol transfer agents voluntary basis high traffic areas provide incentive bonus transfer sec prohibits departments interior agriculture impeding prohibiting restricting cbp activities federal land located miles border mexico border canada execute search rescue operations prevent unlawful entries united_states makes dhs waiver april illegal immigration reform immigrant responsibility act specified environmental laws applicable federal land sec directs dhs submit implementation plan establish biometric exit data system complete integrated biometric entry exit data system years enactment act establish biometric exit data system airports seaports support highest volume international air sea travel land ports entry support highest volume pedestrian crossings years expand system land air sea ports entry requires dhs ensure collection biometric data causes possible disruption movement people cargo air sea land transportation fulfilling goals improving counterterrorism efforts identifying visa holders violate terms visas prohibits dhs requiring non federal person collect biometric data pursuant biometric exit data system contractual agreement requires dhs terminate proceeding entitled collection alien biometric data exit united_states air sea ports departure submit reports recommendations dhs science_and_technology directorate air entry exit engineering program cbp entry exit mobility program demonstrations prohibits travel training bonuses salary increases dhs political appointees metrics requirements objectives relating achievement situational awareness operational control biometric exit data system requirements met sec directs dhs submit northern border threat analysis shall include analysis current potential terrorism threats posed individuals seeking enter united_states northern border improvements needed ports entry northern border prevent terrorists instruments terror entering united_states gaps law policy international agreements tribal agreements hinder border_security counter terrorism efforts northern border unlawful cross border activity ports entry including maritime borders great_lakes specifies additional capabilities deployed months enactment act spokane grand detroit buffalo sectors northern border sec amends homeland_security act establish dhs program known operation stonegarden dhs shall grants law enforcement agencies state bordering canada mexico state territory maritime border enhance border_security requires eligible law enforcement agency involved active ongoing cbp operation coordinated sector office permits recipient use grant equipment personnel including overtime support enhanced border law enforcement activities activity permitted dhs fy2014 funding opportunity announcement operation stonegarden authorizes appropriations grants fy2015-fy2019 sec authorizes sale donation certain excess personal property dod border_security activities sec directs dod reimburse states cost deployment national_guard units personnel perform operations missions state active duty status support southern border mission subject specified cap sec directs border_patrol operate intelligence based operations combat terrorist transnational criminal threats international borders united_states coordinate international federal state local tribal law enforcement partners sec defines terms act including defining situational awareness knowledge understanding current unlawful cross border activity ability forecast future shifts threats trends operational capability conduct continuous integrated surveillance borders sec authorizes appropriations fy2016 fy2025 carry act


Summary:
Northern Border Security Review Act

(Sec. 2) This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to submit a northern border threat analysis of:

 current and potential terrorism and criminal threats posed by individuals and organized groups seeking to enter the United States through the northern border or to exploit vulnerabilities along such border; improvements needed at and between ports of entry along the northern border to prevent terrorists and instruments of terror from entering the United States and to reduce criminal activity, as measured by the total flow of illegal goods, illicit drugs, and smuggled and trafficked persons moved across such border; gaps in law, policy, cooperation between state, local, and tribal law enforcement, international agreements, or tribal agreements that hinder effective and efficient border security, counterterrorism, anti-human smuggling and trafficking efforts, and the flow of legitimate trade along the northern border; and whether additional preclearance and pre-inspection operations by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection at ports of entry along the northern border could help prevent terrorists and instruments of terror from entering the United States. For such analysis, DHS must consider and examine:

 technology needs and challenges; personnel needs and challenges; the role of state, local, and tribal law enforcement in general border security activities; the need for cooperation among federal, state, local, tribal, and Canadian law enforcement entities relating to border security; and the terrain, population density, and climate along the northern border.

northern border_security review act sec bill directs department_of_homeland_security dhs submit northern border threat analysis current potential terrorism criminal threats posed individuals organized groups seeking enter united_states northern border vulnerabilities border improvements needed ports entry northern border prevent terrorists instruments terror entering united_states reduce criminal activity measured total flow illegal goods illicit drugs smuggled trafficked persons moved border gaps law policy cooperation state local tribal law enforcement international agreements tribal agreements hinder effective efficient border_security counterterrorism anti human smuggling trafficking efforts flow legitimate trade northern border additional preclearance pre inspection operations customs border_protection ports entry northern border help prevent terrorists instruments terror entering united_states analysis dhs consider examine technology needs challenges personnel needs challenges role state local tribal law enforcement general border_security activities need cooperation federal state local tribal canadian law enforcement entities relating border_security terrain population density climate northern border


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the Senate on May 21, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Department of Homeland Security Interoperable Communications Act or the DHS Interoperable Communications Act

(Sec. 3) Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to make the Under Secretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responsible for policies and directives to achieve and maintain interoperable communications among DHS components.

(Sec. 4) Requires the Under Secretary to submit to the House and Senate homeland security committees a strategy for achieving and maintaining such communications, including for daily operations, planned events, and emergencies, that includes:

 an assessment of interoperability gaps in radio communications among the DHS components; information on DHS efforts and activities, since November 1, 2012, and planned, to achieve and maintain interoperable communications; an assessment of obstacles and challenges to achieving and maintaining interoperable communications; information on, and an assessment of, the adequacy of mechanisms available to the Under Secretary to enforce and compel compliance with interoperable communications policies and directives of DHS; guidance provided to DHS components to implement such policies and directives; the total amount of DHS expenditures since November 1, 2012, and projected future expenditures to achieve interoperable communications; and dates upon which DHS-wide interoperability is projected to be achieved for voice, data, and video communications, respectively, and interim milestones. Directs the Under Secretary to submit with such strategy information on: (1) any intra-agency effort or task force that has been delegated responsibilities relating to achieving and maintaining interoperable communications by such dates; and (2) who, within each component, is responsible for implementing policies and directives issued by the Under Secretary to achieve and maintain interoperable communications.

(Sec. 5) Directs the Under Secretary, within 100 days after the strategy is submitted and every 2 years thereafter for 6 years, to submit reports on the status of efforts to implement such strategy, including: (1) progress on interim milestones; (2) information on establishment by the Under Secretary of, and compliance of DHS components with, policies, directives, guidance, and training to achieve and maintain interoperable communications; and (3) information on any additional resources or authorities needed by the Under Secretary.

measure amended reported senate summary version repeated department_of_homeland_security interoperable communications act dhs interoperable communications act sec amends homeland_security act secretary management department_of_homeland_security dhs responsible policies directives achieve maintain interoperable communications dhs components sec requires secretary submit house senate homeland_security committees strategy achieving maintaining communications including daily operations planned events emergencies includes assessment interoperability gaps radio communications dhs components information dhs efforts activities november planned achieve maintain interoperable communications assessment obstacles challenges achieving maintaining interoperable communications information assessment adequacy mechanisms available secretary enforce compel compliance interoperable communications policies directives dhs guidance provided dhs components implement policies directives total dhs expenditures november projected future expenditures achieve interoperable communications dates dhs wide interoperability projected achieved voice data video communications respectively interim milestones directs secretary submit strategy information intra agency effort task_force delegated responsibilities relating achieving maintaining interoperable communications dates component responsible implementing policies directives issued secretary achieve maintain interoperable communications sec directs secretary days strategy submitted years years submit reports status efforts implement strategy including progress interim milestones information establishment secretary compliance dhs components policies directives guidance training achieve maintain interoperable communications information additional resources authorities needed secretary


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the Senate on September 21, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

DHS Social Media Improvement Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) a social media working group (the Group) to identify, and provide guidance and best practices to the emergency preparedness and response community on, the use of social media technologies before, during, and after a natural disaster or an act of terrorism or other man-made disaster.

Requires the Group to submit an annual report that includes:

 a review and analysis of social media technologies used to support preparedness and response activities; a review of best practices and lessons learned; recommendations to improve DHS's use of social media technologies for emergency management purposes, recommendations to improve public awareness of the type of information disseminated through such technologies, and recommendations on how to access such information during a disaster; a review of available training for government officials on the use of social media technologies in response to a disaster; and a review of coordination efforts with the private sector to discuss and resolve legal, operational, technical, privacy, and security concerns. Terminates the Group five years after the enactment of this Act unless the chairperson renews it for a successive five-year period by submitting a certification that the continued existence of the Group is necessary. Provides for successive five-year renewal periods.

measure amended reported senate september summary version repeated dhs social media improvement act sec amends homeland_security act direct secretary homeland_security establish department_of_homeland_security dhs social media working_group group identify provide guidance best practices emergency preparedness response community use social media technologies natural disaster act terrorism man disaster requires group submit annual report includes review analysis social media technologies support preparedness response activities review best practices lessons learned recommendations improve dhs use social media technologies emergency management purposes recommendations improve public awareness type information disseminated technologies recommendations access information disaster review available training government officials use social media technologies response disaster review coordination efforts private sector discuss resolve legal operational technical privacy security concerns terminates group years enactment act chairperson renews successive year period submitting certification continued existence group necessary provides successive year renewal periods


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on December 10, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

(Sec. 1) This bill directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to commence actions to improve its process for vetting individuals with access to secure areas of vessels and maritime facilities.

These actions shall include:

 conducting a comprehensive risk analysis of security threat assessment procedures, including identifying procedures that need additional internal controls as well as best practices for quality assurance at every stage of the assessment; implementing such internal controls and best practices; improving fraud detection techniques; updating the guidance provided to Trusted Agents (Credentialing Office) regarding the vetting process and related regulations; finalizing a manual for such agents and adjudicators on the vetting process; and establishing quality controls to ensure consistent procedures to review adjudication decisions and terrorism vetting decisions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall commission a national laboratory, a university-based center within the Science and Technology Directorate's centers of excellence network, or a qualified federally-funded research and development center to conduct an assessment of the effectiveness of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Program at enhancing security and reducing security risks for maritime facilities and vessels that pose a high risk of being involved in a transportation security incident.

The assessment shall review:

 the credentialing process, the process for renewing TWIC applications, and the security value of the TWIC program. If the assessment identifies a deficiency in effectiveness of the TWIC Program, DHS shall submit to Congress a corrective action plan that:

 responds to assessment findings and includes an implementation plan with benchmarks, and shall be considered in any DHS rulemaking with respect to the TWIC Program. The DHS Inspector General must review and report on the corrective action plan.

measure amended passed senate december summary version repeated sec bill directs transportation_security_administration tsa commence actions improve process vetting individuals access secure areas vessels maritime facilities actions shall include conducting comprehensive risk analysis security threat assessment procedures including identifying procedures need additional internal controls best practices quality assurance stage assessment implementing internal controls best practices improving fraud detection techniques updating guidance provided trusted agents credentialing office vetting process related regulations finalizing manual agents vetting process establishing quality controls ensure consistent procedures review adjudication decisions terrorism vetting decisions department_of_homeland_security dhs shall commission national_laboratory university based center science_and_technology directorate centers_of_excellence network qualified federally funded research development center conduct assessment effectiveness transportation worker identification credential twic program enhancing security reducing security risks maritime facilities vessels pose high risk involved transportation security incident assessment shall review credentialing process process renewing twic applications security value twic program assessment identifies deficiency effectiveness twic program dhs shall submit congress corrective action plan responds assessment findings includes implementation plan benchmarks shall considered dhs rulemaking respect twic program dhs inspector_general review report corrective action plan


Summary:
United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Authorization Act

Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 with respect to the establishment in the Department of Homeland Security of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (formerly the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

united_states_immigration_and_customs_enforcement authorization act amends homeland_security act respect establishment department_of_homeland_security united_states_immigration_and_customs_enforcement bureau immigration customs enforcement


Summary:
United States Customs and Border Protection Authorization Act

Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish formally, in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) (formerly the U.S. Customs Service), headed by the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Establishes in the CBP:

 a Deputy Commissioner; the U.S. Border Patrol; an Office of Air and Marine Operations; an Office of Field Operations, including a National Targeting Center; an Office of Intelligence and Investigative Liaison; an Office of International Affairs; and an Office of Internal Affairs. Requires the CBP Commissioner to establish, and update triennially, certain standard operating procedures for CBP personnel.

Directs the CBP Commissioner to require all CBP agents and officers to participate in a specified amount of continuing education to maintain an understanding of federal legal rulings, court decisions, and departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Requires the CBP Commissioner to ensure that:

 adequate access to food and water is provided as soon as possible to individuals apprehended and detained between a U.S. port of entry, and detainee rights are provided at CBP processing centers. Directs the CBP Commissioner to publish wait times at the 20 U.S. airports with the highest volume of international travel and make this information available to the public on the CBP website.

Declares that the Transportation Security Administration shall be maintained as a distinct entity within DHS.

Removes the Office for Domestic Preparedness from within the Directorate of Border and Transportation Security and establishes it simply within DHS.

Transfers all functions of the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security to the DHS Secretary.

Authorizes the DHS Secretary (currently, the Under Secretary) to impose disciplinary action on any employee of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and CBP who willfully deceives Congress or agency leadership on any matter.

Directs the CBP Commissioner to report to Congress on:

 the CBP Business Transformation Initiative, and supervisor-approved personal searches conducted in the previous year by CBP personnel. Requires the CBP Commissioner to assess CBP's physical infrastructure and technology needs at the 20 busiest land ports of entry.

Prohibits the DHS Secretary from entering into or renewing an agreement with a foreign country government for a CBP administered trusted traveler program unless that government certifies that it:

 routinely submits information about lost and stolen passports of its citizens and nationals to INTERPOL's Stolen and Lost Travel Document database, or makes such information available to the United States through another comparable means of reporting. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Foreign Language Award Program (FLAP) incentivizes CBP officers and agents to attain and maintain competency in a foreign language.

Declares that no additional appropriations are authorized to carry out this Act. Requires this Act to be carried out using amounts otherwise available.

united_states_customs border_protection authorization act amends homeland_security act establish formally department_of_homeland_security dhs customs border_protection cbp customs service headed commissioner customs border_protection establishes cbp deputy commissioner border_patrol office air marine operations office field operations including national targeting center office intelligence investigative liaison office international affairs office internal affairs requires cbp commissioner establish update triennially certain standard operating procedures cbp personnel directs cbp commissioner require cbp agents officers participate specified continuing education maintain understanding federal legal rulings court decisions departmental policies procedures guidelines requires cbp commissioner ensure adequate access food water provided soon possible individuals apprehended detained port entry detainee rights provided cbp processing centers directs cbp commissioner publish wait times airports highest volume international travel information available public cbp website declares transportation_security_administration shall maintained distinct entity dhs removes office domestic preparedness directorate border transportation security establishes simply dhs transfers functions secretary border transportation security dhs secretary authorizes dhs secretary currently secretary impose disciplinary action employee immigration customs enforcement cbp willfully congress agency leadership matter directs cbp commissioner report congress cbp business transformation initiative supervisor approved personal searches conducted previous year cbp personnel requires cbp commissioner assess cbp physical infrastructure technology needs land ports entry prohibits dhs secretary entering renewing agreement foreign country government cbp administered trusted traveler program government certifies routinely submits information lost stolen passports citizens nationals interpol stolen lost travel document database makes information available united_states comparable means reporting expresses sense congress foreign language award program cbp officers agents attain maintain competency foreign language declares additional appropriations authorized carry act requires act carried amounts available


Summary:
Countering Violent Extremism Grants Act or the CVE Grants Act

Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the use of Urban Area Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant Program funding to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to acts of terrorism by countering violent extremism, including through: (1) training programs; (2) the development, implementation, or expansion of programs to engage communities that may be targeted by violent extremist radicalization; and (3) the development and implementation of projects to partner with local communities to prevent radicalization to violence.

Directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to submit an annual report on the use of such funding to counter violent extremism, including a list of recipients of funds, the types of projects funded, and the amount of grant funding used for each project.

countering violent extremism grants act grants act amends homeland_security act authorize use urban_area_security_initiative state_homeland_security_grant_program funding prevent prepare protect respond acts terrorism countering violent extremism including training programs development implementation expansion programs engage communities targeted violent extremist radicalization development implementation projects partner local communities prevent radicalization violence directs federal_emergency_management_agency fema submit annual report use funding counter violent extremism including list recipients funds types projects funded grant funding project


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on August 4, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Critical Infrastructure Protection Act or CIPA

 (Sec. 2) Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to define "EMP" to mean: (1) an electromagnetic pulse caused by intentional means, including acts of terrorism; and (2) a geomagnetic disturbance caused by solar storms or other naturally occurring phenomena.

Directs DHS to: (1) include in national planning frameworks the threat of EMP events; and (2) conduct outreach to educate owners and operators of critical infrastructure, emergency planners, and emergency response providers of the threat of EMP events.

Directs DHS to conduct research and development to mitigate the consequences of EMP events, including: (1) an objective scientific analysis of the risks to critical infrastructures from a range of EMP events; (2) determination of the critical national security assets and vital civic utilities and infrastructures that are at risk from EMP events; (3) an evaluation of emergency planning and response technologies that would address the findings and recommendations of experts, including those of the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse Attack; (4) an analysis of available technology options to improve the resiliency of critical infrastructure to EMP; and (5) the restoration and recovery capabilities of critical infrastructure under differing levels of damage and disruption from various EMP events.

Includes among the responsibilities of DHS relating to intelligence and analysis and infrastructure protection, to prepare and submit to specified congressional committees: (1) a recommended strategy to protect and prepare the critical infrastructure of the American homeland against EMP events, and (2) biennial updates on the status of such strategy.

Requires DHS to report within 180 days after enactment of this Act on the progress made in meeting, and on an estimated date for completing, the requirements set forth under this Act.

measure amended reported house august summary version repeated critical infrastructure protection act sec amends homeland_security act define emp mean electromagnetic pulse caused intentional means including acts terrorism disturbance caused solar storms naturally occurring phenomena directs dhs include national planning frameworks threat emp events conduct outreach educate owners operators critical infrastructure emergency planners emergency response providers threat emp events directs dhs conduct research development mitigate consequences emp events including objective scientific analysis risks critical infrastructures range emp events determination critical national security assets vital civic utilities infrastructures risk emp events evaluation emergency planning response technologies address findings recommendations experts including commission assess threat united_states electromagnetic pulse attack analysis available technology options improve resiliency critical infrastructure emp restoration recovery capabilities critical infrastructure levels damage disruption emp events includes responsibilities dhs relating intelligence analysis infrastructure protection prepare submit specified congressional committees recommended strategy protect prepare critical infrastructure american homeland emp events biennial updates status strategy requires dhs report days enactment act progress meeting estimated date completing requirements set forth act


Summary:
First Responder Anthrax Preparedness Act

 (Sec. 2) Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), for the purpose of domestic preparedness for and collective response to terrorism, to: (1) establish a program to provide surplus anthrax vaccines nearing the end of their labeled dates of use from the strategic national stockpile for administration to emergency response providers who are at high risk of exposure to anthrax and who voluntarily consent to such administration, (2) distribute disclosures regarding associated benefits and risks to end users, and (3) conduct outreach to educate emergency response providers about the program.

Requires DHS to: (1) support homeland security-focused risk analysis and assessments of the threats posed by anthrax from an act of terror; (2) leverage homeland security intelligence capabilities and structures to enhance prevention, protection, response, and recovery efforts with respect to an anthrax terror attack; and (3) share information and provide tailored analytical support on threats posed by anthrax to state, local, and tribal authorities, as well as other national biosecurity and biodefense stakeholders.

Directs DHS, in coordination with HHS, to carry out a 24-month pilot program to provide anthrax vaccines to emergency response providers. Requires DHS to: (1) establish a communication platform and education and training modules for such program, (2) conduct economic analysis of such program, (3) create a logistical platform for the anthrax vaccine request process, (4) select providers based in at least two states to participate, (5) provide to each participating provider disclosures and educational materials regarding the benefits and risks of any vaccine provided and of exposure to anthrax, and (6) submit annual reports on pilot program results and recommendations to improve pilot program participation. Requires the report to include a plan for continuation of the DHS program to provide vaccines to emergency response providers.

responder preparedness act sec amends homeland_security act direct department_of_homeland_security dhs coordination department_of_health_and_human_services hhs purpose domestic preparedness collective response terrorism establish program provide surplus vaccines nearing end labeled dates use strategic national stockpile administration emergency response providers high risk exposure voluntarily consent administration distribute disclosures associated benefits risks end users conduct outreach educate emergency response providers program requires dhs support homeland_security focused risk analysis assessments threats posed act terror leverage homeland_security intelligence capabilities structures enhance prevention protection response recovery efforts respect terror attack share information provide tailored analytical support threats posed state local tribal authorities national biosecurity biodefense stakeholders directs dhs coordination hhs carry month pilot program provide vaccines emergency response providers requires dhs establish communication platform education training modules program conduct economic analysis program create logistical platform vaccine request process select providers based states participate provide participating provider disclosures educational materials benefits risks vaccine provided exposure submit annual reports pilot program results recommendations improve pilot program participation requires report include plan continuation dhs program provide vaccines emergency response providers


Summary:
Arizona Borderlands Protection and Preservation Act

This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Department of the Interior to provide U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel with access to federal lands for security activities, including: (1) routine motorized patrols; and (2) deployment of communications, surveillance, and detection equipment.

Interior and USDA may provide education and training to CBP personnel on the natural and cultural resources present on individual federal land units.

Access authority shall not apply to private or state-owned land within federal land boundaries.

arizona protection preservation act bill directs department_of_homeland_security department_of_agriculture usda department_of_the_interior provide customs border_protection cbp personnel access federal lands security activities including routine motorized patrols deployment communications surveillance detection equipment interior usda provide education training cbp personnel natural cultural resources present individual federal land units access authority shall apply private state owned land federal land boundaries


Summary:
FEMA Disaster Assistance Reform Act of 2015

TITLE I--FEMA REAUTHORIZATION

(Sec. 101) This bill reauthorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through FY2018.

TITLE II--COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF DISASTER COSTS AND LOSSES

(Sec. 201) FEMA shall commence, through the National Advisory Council, a comprehensive study related to disaster costs and losses. The Council shall evaluate, and report on, disaster losses and costs and develop recommendations for reducing such losses and costs.

TITLE III--STAFFORD ACT AND OTHER PROGRAMS

(Sec. 301) The bill amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) to: (1) continue the administration of the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System (USAR Response System), and (2) reauthorize the USAR Response System through FY2018.

(Sec. 303) FEMA shall provide a plan for the development of consistent guidance to applicants on FEMA disaster funding, the maintenance of records and transfer of information, relieving administrative burdens, and the implementation of new technology tools during disaster response and recovery operations in the field.

(Sec. 304) The bill amends the Stafford Act to raise the public assistance small projects threshold from $35,000 to $1 million.

(Sec. 305) The bill amends the Stafford Act to establish fixed rates to reimburse states and local governments for direct and indirect administrative costs incurred to implement disaster recovery projects.

(Sec. 306) Debts owed to the United States for disaster assistance may be waived if such assistance was distributed based on an error by FEMA, there was no fault on behalf of the debtor, and the collection of the debt would be against equity and good conscience.

(Sec. 307) The statute of limitations for initiating a new administrative action to recover debts owed to the United States for disaster assistance is three years, unless there is evidence of civil or criminal fraud.

(Sec. 308) FEMA shall: (1) provide technical assistance to common interest communities that provide essential services of a governmental nature, and (2) provide recommendations on how common areas of condominiums and housing cooperatives may be eligible for disaster assistance.

(Sec. 309) FEMA shall give greater weight and consideration to severe localized impacts when making major disaster declaration recommendations to the President.

(Sec. 310) A state shall be deemed to have met FEMA's proof of insurance requirements for an individual property owner when title to such property has been encumbered requiring the purchase and maintenance of insurance.

(Sec. 311) FEMA shall not expand its statutory authorities as they related to floodplain management or mapping unless the requirement to do so is explicitly and specifically stated in statute. FEMA's authorities may not be construed to impute the privately-funded actions of private parties on private land to FEMA for the purpose of extending the requirement.

(Sec. 312) FEMA shall be responsible for efforts to reduce the loss of life and property and to protect the Nation from an earthquake, tsunami, or a combined earthquake and tsunami event.

(Sec. 313) The President shall establish a Federal Interagency Task Force to develop a comprehensive strategy and recommendations on preparation and planning for, mitigating against, responding to, recovering from, and more successfully adapting to an earthquake, tsunami, or a combined earthquake and tsunami event in the Cascadia Subduction Zone.

The Task Force shall enter into an agreement with the National Academies for developing recommendations for a federal research strategy to advance scientific understanding of a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake and resulting tsunami preparedness.

FEMA shall report to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on the comprehensive strategy and recommendations on administrative actions to further the strategy.

(Sec. 314) The President may provide hazard mitigation assistance in any area affected by a fire for which assistance was provided, whether or not a major disaster is declared.

(Sec. 315) Recipients of hazard mitigation assistance under the Stafford Act may use such assistance to help reduce the risk of future damage, hardship, loss, or suffering in any area affected by a wildfire or earthquake hazards.

fema disaster assistance reform_act title fema reauthorization sec bill reauthorizes federal_emergency_management_agency fema fy2018 title comprehensive study disaster costs losses sec fema shall commence national_advisory_council comprehensive study related disaster costs losses council shall evaluate report disaster losses costs develop recommendations reducing losses costs title iii stafford act programs sec bill amends robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act stafford act continue administration national urban search rescue response system response system reauthorize response system fy2018 sec fema shall provide plan development consistent guidance applicants fema disaster funding maintenance records transfer information relieving administrative burdens implementation new technology tools disaster response recovery operations field sec bill amends stafford act raise public assistance small projects threshold million sec bill amends stafford act establish fixed rates reimburse states local governments direct indirect administrative costs incurred implement disaster recovery projects sec debts owed united_states disaster assistance waived assistance distributed based error fema fault behalf debtor collection debt equity good conscience sec statute limitations initiating new administrative action recover debts owed united_states disaster assistance years evidence civil criminal fraud sec fema shall provide technical assistance common interest communities provide essential services governmental nature provide recommendations common areas housing cooperatives eligible disaster assistance sec fema shall greater weight consideration severe impacts making major disaster declaration recommendations president sec state shall deemed met fema proof insurance requirements individual property owner title property requiring purchase maintenance insurance sec fema shall expand statutory authorities related floodplain management mapping requirement explicitly specifically stated statute fema authorities construed privately funded actions private parties private land fema purpose extending requirement sec fema shall responsible efforts reduce loss life property protect nation earthquake tsunami combined earthquake tsunami event sec president shall establish federal interagency_task_force develop comprehensive strategy recommendations preparation planning mitigating responding recovering successfully adapting earthquake tsunami combined earthquake tsunami event zone task_force shall enter agreement national academies developing recommendations federal research strategy advance scientific understanding zone earthquake resulting tsunami preparedness fema shall report house_committee_on_transportation_and_infrastructure senate_committee_on_homeland_security governmental_affairs comprehensive strategy recommendations administrative actions strategy sec president provide hazard mitigation assistance area affected fire assistance provided major disaster declared sec recipients hazard mitigation assistance stafford act use assistance help reduce risk future damage hardship loss suffering area affected wildfire earthquake hazards


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act of 2015

 This bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to modernize and implement the integrated public alert and warning system of the United States to ensure that the President is able, under all conditions, to alert governmental authorities and the civilian population in areas endangered by disasters, including by:

 establishing common alerting and warning protocols, standards, terminology, and operating procedures for such system; including in such system the capability to adapt the distribution and content of communications on the basis of geographic location, risks, or personal user preferences and to alert individuals with disabilities and individuals with access and functional needs; ensuring that training, tests, and exercises are conducted for such system; establishing and integrating into the National Incident Management System a comprehensive and periodic training program to instruct and educate federal, state, tribal, and local government officials in the use of the Common Alerting Protocol enabled Emergency Alert System; and ensuring that the system is resilient, secure, and can withstand acts of terrorism and other external attacks. The system shall:

 incorporate multiple communications technologies, be designed to incorporate future technologies for communicating directly with the public to provide alerts to the largest portion of the affected population feasible and to improve the ability of remote areas to receive alerts, promote local and regional partnerships to enhance community preparedness and response, provide redundant alert mechanisms, and protect individual privacy. FEMA must: (1) submit a detailed plan to implement the system, including a time line, a spending plan, and recommendations for any additional authority necessary; and (2) establish the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Advisory Committee to develop recommendations for the system.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure integrated public alert warning system modernization act bill directs federal_emergency_management_agency fema modernize implement integrated public alert warning system united_states ensure president able conditions alert governmental authorities civilian population areas endangered disasters including establishing common warning protocols standards terminology operating procedures system including system capability adapt distribution content communications basis geographic location risks personal user preferences alert individuals disabilities individuals access functional needs ensuring training tests exercises conducted system establishing integrating national incident management system comprehensive periodic training program instruct educate federal state tribal local government officials use common protocol enabled emergency alert system ensuring system resilient secure withstand acts terrorism external attacks system shall incorporate multiple communications technologies designed incorporate future technologies communicating directly public provide alerts largest portion affected population feasible improve ability remote areas receive alerts promote local regional partnerships enhance community preparedness response provide redundant alert mechanisms protect individual privacy fema submit detailed plan implement system including time line spending plan recommendations additional authority necessary establish integrated public alert warning system advisory_committee develop recommendations system


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on June 17, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

DHS Paid Administrative Leave Accountability Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the head of each component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), on a quarterly basis, to submit to the Chief Human Capital Officer of DHS (the Chief): (1) the number of employees who had been on administrative leave, or any other type of paid non-duty status without charge to leave, for personnel matters for six consecutive months or longer; (2) the total cost to the component associated with such leave and paid non-duty status for the quarter; and (3) the average duration that employees are placed on administrative leave, or any other type of paid non-duty status without charge to leave, for personnel matters for a period of six consecutive months or longer.

Requires the Chief to: (1) maintain records of the number of such employees and the associated costs; and (2) determine appropriate actions to be taken by DHS to resolve any personnel matter objectively, appropriately, and expeditiously or to reduce the use of such leave and paid non-duty status in addressing any personnel matter.

Encourages DHS to leverage systems and operations in use on the date of this Act's enactment to implement this Act's requirements.

(Sec. 3) Directs the Chief to develop and implement a department-wide policy in accordance with existing federal guidance specifically related to the use of such leave or paid non-duty status for personnel matters.

Requires such policy to: (1) include the responsibilities of the DHS components for reporting information relating to such administrative leave and such paid non-duty status to the Chief, and (2) provide guidance on expediting the resolution of a personnel matter for which an employee has been on administrative leave or any other type of paid non-duty status without charge to leave for a period of six consecutive months or longer in an objective and appropriate manner.

(Sec. 4) Directs the Chief to submit a report after each calendar quarter of 2016-2018 on the number of DHS employees on such leave or paid non-duty status for personnel matters for six consecutive months or longer.

Requires each such report to include: (1) the costs to DHS associated with the placement of such employees on administrative leave or such paid non-duty status (including salary and benefits) for the period covered by the report; and (2) a description of any actions taken by DHS to resolve any personnel matter for which an employee has been placed on administrative leave or paid non-duty status without charge to leave.

measure amended reported house june summary version repeated dhs paid administrative leave accountability_act sec amends homeland_security act direct head component department_of_homeland_security dhs quarterly basis submit chief human capital officer dhs chief number employees administrative leave type paid non duty status charge leave personnel matters consecutive months longer total cost component associated leave paid non duty status quarter average duration employees placed administrative leave type paid non duty status charge leave personnel matters period consecutive months longer requires chief maintain records number employees associated costs determine appropriate actions taken dhs resolve personnel matter objectively appropriately expeditiously reduce use leave paid non duty status addressing personnel matter encourages dhs leverage systems operations use date act enactment implement act requirements sec directs chief develop implement department wide policy accordance existing federal guidance specifically related use leave paid non duty status personnel matters requires policy include responsibilities dhs components reporting information relating administrative leave paid non duty status chief provide guidance expediting resolution personnel matter employee administrative leave type paid non duty status charge leave period consecutive months longer objective appropriate manner sec directs chief submit report calendar quarter number dhs employees leave paid non duty status personnel matters consecutive months longer requires report include costs dhs associated placement employees administrative leave paid non duty status including salary benefits period covered report description actions taken dhs resolve personnel matter employee placed administrative leave paid non duty status charge leave


Summary:
Border Security Technology Accountability Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) ensure that each border security technology acquisition program that is determined to be a major acquisition program has an acquisition program baseline approved by the relevant acquisition decision authority; (2) document that each such program is meeting the cost, schedule, and performance thresholds specified in such baseline in compliance with relevant departmental acquisition policies and the Federal Acquisition Regulation; and (3) have a plan for each such program to meet program implementation objectives by managing contractor performance.

Directs: (1) the Under Secretary for Management and the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to ensure that border security technology acquisition program managers adhere to relevant internal control standards identified by the Comptroller General, and (2) the Commissioner to provide information to assist the Under Secretary in monitoring proper program management of such acquisition programs.

Requires the Under Secretary for Management, in coordination with the Under Secretary for Science and Technology and the Commissioner, to submit a plan for testing and evaluation, as well as the use of independent verification and validation resources, for border security technology so that new border security technologies are evaluated through a series of assessments, processes, and audits to ensure compliance with relevant departmental acquisition policies and the Federal Acquisition Regulation, as well as the effectiveness of taxpayer dollars.

Defines "major acquisition program" to mean a DHS acquisition program that is estimated by DHS to require an eventual total expenditure of at least $300 million over its life cycle cost.

border_security technology accountability_act sec amends homeland_security act require department_of_homeland_security dhs ensure border_security technology acquisition program determined major acquisition program acquisition program baseline approved relevant acquisition decision authority document program meeting cost schedule performance thresholds specified baseline compliance relevant departmental acquisition policies federal_acquisition_regulation plan program meet program implementation objectives managing contractor performance directs secretary management commissioner customs border_protection ensure border_security technology acquisition program managers adhere relevant internal control standards identified comptroller_general commissioner provide information assist secretary monitoring proper program management acquisition programs requires secretary management coordination secretary science_and_technology commissioner submit plan testing evaluation use independent verification validation resources border_security technology new border_security technologies evaluated series assessments processes audits ensure compliance relevant departmental acquisition policies federal_acquisition_regulation effectiveness taxpayer dollars defines major acquisition program mean dhs acquisition program estimated dhs require eventual total expenditure million life cycle cost


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House reported version is repeated here.)

Federally Funded Research and Development Sunshine Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) Directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to annually submit to the Committee on Homeland Security, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate a list of ongoing and completed projects that federally funded research and development centers within DHS have been tasked to complete.

Prohibits additional funds from being authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act.

measure amended introduced expanded summary house reported version repeated federally funded research development sunshine act sec directs department_of_homeland_security dhs annually submit committee homeland_security committee science space technology committee appropriations house_of_representatives committee homeland_security governmental_affairs committee_on_commerce science transportation committee appropriations senate list ongoing completed projects federally funded research development centers dhs tasked complete prohibits additional funds authorized appropriated carry act


Summary:
Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act of 2015

 (Sec. 3) This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to update, modernize, and implement the national integrated public alert and warning system, including by:

 ensuring that under all conditions the President is able to alert and warn governmental authorities and the civilian population in areas endangered by an act of terrorism, natural disaster, war, other man-made disaster, or other hazard to public safety; establishing or adapting common alerting and warning protocols, standards, terminology, and operating procedures; including the capability to adapt the dissemination of information and the content of communications on the basis of geographic location, risks, and multiple communications systems and technologies and the capability to alert, warn, and provide the equivalent amount of information to individuals with limited English proficiency skills, disabilities (particularly sensory disabilities), or other access or functional needs; ensuring training, tests, and exercises for the system and that the system is incorporated into other training and exercise programs of DHS; ensuring that a comprehensive and periodic training program for receiving and disseminating public alert and warning system messages utilizing advanced technologies is provided to homeland security stakeholders; conducting periodic nationwide tests of the system at least every five years; and consulting, coordinating, and cooperating with key stakeholders to leverage existing alert and warning capabilities. DHS must ensure that the system:

 incorporates redundant and diverse modes to disseminate warning messages to reach the greatest number of individuals in the intended area; can be adapted to incorporate emerging and future technologies; is reliable, resilient, and secure and can withstand acts of terrorism, hazards, and other external attacks or dangers; is hardened against cyber attacks; promotes state, local, tribal, and regional partnerships to enhance coordination; and is designed to provide alerts that are accessible to the largest portion of the affected population and to improve the ability of those in remote areas and areas with underdeveloped telecommunications infrastructure to receive alerts. DHS must: (1) produce a Privacy Impact Assessment every five years to evaluate whether the technology of the system has implications on the privacy rights of U.S. citizens; (2) establish the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Advisory Committee; and (3) make available to the public a list of mobile devices capable of receiving warnings and alerts disseminated through such system.

The Advisory Committee shall terminate six years after the date on which it is established.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency must permit the use of homeland security grant funds to improve public alert and warning capabilities.

integrated public alert warning system modernization act sec bill amends homeland_security act direct department_of_homeland_security dhs update modernize implement national integrated public alert warning system including ensuring conditions president able alert warn governmental authorities civilian population areas endangered act terrorism natural disaster war man disaster hazard public safety establishing adapting common warning protocols standards terminology operating procedures including capability adapt dissemination information content communications basis geographic location risks multiple communications systems technologies capability alert warn provide equivalent information individuals limited english proficiency skills disabilities particularly sensory disabilities access functional needs ensuring training tests exercises system system incorporated training exercise programs dhs ensuring comprehensive periodic training program receiving disseminating public alert warning system messages utilizing advanced technologies provided homeland_security stakeholders conducting periodic nationwide tests system years consulting coordinating cooperating key stakeholders leverage existing alert warning capabilities dhs ensure system incorporates redundant diverse modes disseminate warning messages reach greatest number individuals intended area adapted incorporate emerging future technologies reliable resilient secure withstand acts terrorism hazards external attacks dangers cyber attacks promotes state local tribal regional partnerships enhance coordination designed provide alerts accessible largest portion affected population improve ability remote areas areas telecommunications infrastructure receive alerts dhs produce privacy impact assessment years evaluate technology system implications privacy rights citizens establish integrated public alert warning system advisory_committee available public list mobile devices capable receiving warnings alerts disseminated system advisory_committee shall terminate years date established federal_emergency_management_agency permit use homeland_security grant funds improve public alert warning capabilities


Summary:
Stop TSA Abuses Act

 Directs the Transportation Security Administration to prohibit any of the following employees who are not sworn law enforcement officers with arresting authority and who have not successfully completed federal, state, or local law enforcement training from using the title of "officer" or from wearing a metal badge resembling a police badge or a uniform resembling the uniform of a federal law enforcement officer:

 checkpoint transportation security officer, checked baggage transportation security officer, travel document checker, behavior detection officer, or transportation security specialist--explosives.

stop tsa abuses act directs transportation_security_administration prohibit following employees sworn law enforcement officers arresting authority successfully completed federal state local law enforcement training title officer wearing metal badge police badge uniform uniform federal law enforcement officer checkpoint transportation security officer checked baggage transportation security officer travel document behavior detection officer transportation security specialist explosives


Summary:
DHS Communication Enhancement Act of 2015

Directs the Department of Homeland Security to: (1) assess the ability of each of its components to convey information to, collect information from, and serve individuals with limited English proficiency; and (2) report a plan to improve such ability.

Requires such assessment to:

 identify the languages spoken fluently and read by individuals with limited English proficiency commonly encountered by personnel of the component, assess the extent to which the public materials of the component are available in such languages, and assess the ability of personnel of the component to communicate with and serve individuals with limited English proficiency.

dhs communication enhancement_act directs department_of_homeland_security assess ability components convey information collect information serve individuals limited english proficiency report plan improve ability requires assessment identify languages spoken read individuals limited english proficiency commonly encountered personnel component assess extent public materials component available languages assess ability personnel component communicate serve individuals limited english proficiency


Summary:
DHS Acquisition Accountability and Efficiency Act

 Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to reform acquisition and procurement programs and activities of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Prohibits the authorization of appropriations of additional funds to carry out this Act.

Title I: Acquisition Authorities - Designates the Under Secretary for Management of DHS as the DHS Chief Acquisition Officer. Sets forth the duties and responsibilities of the Under Secretary related to acquisition, including: (1) advising the DHS Secretary on acquisition management activities; (2) exercising the authority to approve, halt, modify, or cancel a major acquisition program (defined as a program estimated to require an eventual total expenditure of at least $300 million over its life cycle cost); (3) establishing policies for acquisition; (4) ensuring that each major acquisition program has a DHS-approved acquisition program baseline (i.e., the summary of the cost, schedule, and performance parameters, expressed in standard, measurable, quantitative terms, which must be met in order to accomplish program goals), pursuant to DHS's acquisition management policy; (5) ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations; and (6) distributing guidance to ensure that contractors adhere to internal cybersecurity policies established by DHS.

Permits the Under Secretary to delegate acquisition authority in writing to the relevant Component Acquisition Executive (i.e. senior acquisition official within a DHS Component with authority and responsibility for leading a process and staff to provide acquisition and program management oversight, policy, and guidance) for an acquisition program with a specified life cycle cost.

Requires the DHS Office of Program Analysis and Evaluation to provide leadership over financial management policy and programs for DHS as they relate to DHS's acquisition programs, in consultation with the Under Secretary for Management.

Sets forth the acquisition responsibilities of the Chief Information Officer of DHS, including to: (1) serve as the lead technical authority for information technology programs and establish departmental information technology priorities, policies, processes, standards, guidelines, and procedures; (2) oversee the management of the Homeland Security Enterprise Architecture; (3) make recommendations to the Acquisition Review Board (established by this Act) on the information technology programs; and (4) be responsible for developing information technology acquisition strategic guidance.

Establishes the position of Chief Procurement Officer of DHS, who shall report directly to the Under Secretary for Management. Prescribes the duties of the the Chief Procurement Officer, including to: (1) exercise leadership and authority over the DHS procurement function; (2) issue acquisition regulations and policies; (3) account for the integrity, performance, and oversight of DHS procurement and contracting functions; (4) serve as DHS's business advisor and main liaison to industry on procurement-related issues; (5) oversee a centralized certification and training program for the DHS acquisition workforce; and (6) ensure that a fair proportion of federal contract dollars are awarded to small businesses.

Requires the Under Secretary to: (1) establish in the Management Directorate a mechanism to prioritize improving the accountability, standardization, and transparency of major DHS acquisition programs to increase opportunities for effectiveness and efficiencies and to serve as the central oversight function of all DHS acquisition programs; and (2) designate an Executive Director to oversee the operation of such mechanism. Sets forth the duties of the Executive Director.

Requires each head of a Component to comply with federal law, the Federal Acquisition Regulation, and DHS acquisition management directives established by the Under Secretary for Management. Requires each Component head, for each major acquisition program, to: (1) establish a complete life cycle cost estimate, including an acquisition program baseline; (2) verify each life cycle cost estimate against independent cost estimates and reconcile any differences; (3) complete a cost-benefit analysis; (4) develop and maintain a schedule that is consistent with scheduling best practices; and (5) ensure that all acquisition program information provided by the Component is complete, accurate, timely, and valid.

Title II: Acquisition Program Management Discipline - Requires the DHS Secretary to establish an Acquisition Review Board to strengthen accountability and uniformity with the DHS acquisition review process, review major acquisition programs, and review the use of best practices. Sets forth the responsibilities of the Board, including to: (1) determine whether a proposed acquisition has met the requirements of key phases of the acquisition life cycle framework and is able to proceed to the next phase and eventual full production and deployment; (2) oversee executable business strategy, resources, management, accountability, and alignment to strategic initiatives; and (3) conduct systematic reviews of acquisitions.

Requires the Secretary to: (1) notify the congressional homeland security committees (i.e., the House Committees on Appropriations and Homeland Security and the Senate Committees on Appropriations and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs) of any decision to approve a major acquisition program without a DHS-approved acquisition program baseline within 7 days after an acquisition decision memorandum is signed, and (2) report within the next 60 days on the rationale for such decision and a plan of action to require an acquisition program baseline for the program.

Requires the Deputy Secretary of DHS to establish DHS-wide policies to assist DHS in identifying, validating, and prioritizing standards for common Component requirements to increase opportunities for effectiveness and efficiencies. Requires the Under Secretary for Management to coordinate actions to establish such policies using mechanisms necessary to reduce duplication and inefficiency for all DHS investments, including major acquisition programs.

Requires the Comptroller General to conduct a review of the Acquisition Review Board and the requirements to reduce duplication in acquisition programs.

Requires the Secretary to notify the congressional homeland security committees within five days after the issuance of a waiver by the Secretary of requirements that an agency not engage in business with a contractor in the Excluded Party List System maintained by the General Services Administration and an explanation of the compelling reason for taking such action.

Authorizes the DHS Inspector General to audit decisions about grant and procurement awards to identify: (1) instances where a contract or grant was improperly awarded to a suspended or debarred entity, and (2) whether corrective actions were taken to prevent recurrence. Directs the DHS Inspector General to review the DHS suspension and debarment program to assess whether suspension and debarment criteria are consistently applied and whether disparities exist in the application of such criteria, particularly with respect to business size and categories.

Title III: Acquisition Program Management Accountability and Transparency - Establishes a process for notifying DHS officials of a breach (e.g., failure to meet any cost, schedule, or performance requirements) in a major acquisition program (a program estimated to cost at least $300 million over its life cycle cost). Requires notice of a breach in an acquisition program with a cost overrun greater than 15% or a schedule delay greater than 180 days over the program baseline to the Secretary and Inspector General of DHS not later than 5 business days after the breach is identified.

Requires the Under Secretary for Management to establish a date for submission of: (1) a breach remediation plan and root cause analysis for a breach in a DHS acquisition program with a cost overrun greater than 15% or a schedule delay greater than 180 days compared to the costs or schedule set forth in the acquisition program baseline; and (2) a program of corrective action to ensure that either the breach has been corrected and the program is again in compliance with the original acquisition program baseline parameters, a revised acquisition program baseline has been approved, or the program has been halted or cancelled.

Requires the Under Secretary to notify the congressional homeland security committees of a breach in a major acquisition program and include a written certification that the acquisition is essential to the DHS mission, there are no alternatives to such capability or asset, and other criteria have been met. Prohibits funding for a major acquisition program until the Under Secretary provides such notice and certification.

Requires the DHS Secretary to submit to the congressional homeland security committees a multiyear acquisition strategy to guide the overall direction of the DHS acquisitions, with specified requirements.

Requires the Under Secretary to submit to the congressional homeland security committees a comprehensive acquisition status report, with information and updates on each major acquisition program.

Requires the Comptroller General to conduct a review to analyze the effectiveness of the Multiyear Acquisition Strategy.

Requires the DHS Inspector General, not later than two years after the Comptroller General's report on the multiyear acquisition strategy, to conduct a review of whether DHS has complied with the strategy and the requirements to provide the Acquisition Review Board with a capability development plan for each major acquisition program.

dhs acquisition accountability efficiency_act amends homeland_security act reform acquisition procurement programs activities department_of_homeland_security dhs prohibits authorization appropriations additional funds carry act title acquisition authorities designates secretary management dhs dhs chief acquisition officer sets forth duties responsibilities secretary related acquisition including advising dhs secretary acquisition_management activities exercising authority approve halt modify cancel major acquisition program defined program estimated require eventual total expenditure million life cycle cost establishing policies acquisition ensuring major acquisition program dhs approved acquisition program baseline summary cost schedule performance parameters expressed standard measurable quantitative terms met order accomplish program goals pursuant dhs acquisition_management policy ensuring compliance applicable laws regulations distributing guidance ensure contractors adhere internal cybersecurity policies established dhs permits secretary delegate acquisition authority writing relevant component acquisition executive senior acquisition official dhs component authority responsibility leading process staff provide acquisition program management oversight policy guidance acquisition program specified life cycle cost requires dhs office program analysis evaluation provide leadership financial management policy programs dhs relate dhs acquisition programs consultation secretary management sets forth acquisition responsibilities chief information officer dhs including serve lead technical authority information technology programs establish departmental information technology priorities policies processes standards guidelines procedures oversee management homeland_security enterprise architecture recommendations acquisition review board established act information technology programs responsible developing information technology acquisition strategic guidance establishes position chief procurement officer dhs shall report directly secretary management prescribes duties chief procurement officer including exercise leadership authority dhs procurement function issue acquisition regulations policies account integrity performance oversight dhs procurement contracting functions serve dhs business advisor main liaison industry procurement related issues oversee centralized certification training program dhs acquisition workforce ensure fair proportion federal contract dollars awarded small businesses requires secretary establish management directorate mechanism prioritize improving accountability standardization transparency major dhs acquisition programs increase opportunities effectiveness efficiencies serve central oversight function dhs acquisition programs designate executive director oversee operation mechanism sets forth duties executive director requires head component comply federal law federal_acquisition_regulation dhs acquisition_management directives established secretary management requires component head major acquisition program establish complete life cycle cost estimate including acquisition program baseline verify life cycle cost estimate independent cost estimates reconcile differences complete cost benefit analysis develop maintain schedule consistent scheduling best practices ensure acquisition program information provided component complete accurate timely valid title acquisition program management discipline requires dhs secretary establish acquisition review board strengthen accountability uniformity dhs acquisition review process review major acquisition programs review use best practices sets forth responsibilities board including determine proposed acquisition met requirements key phases acquisition life cycle framework able proceed phase eventual production deployment oversee business strategy resources management accountability alignment strategic initiatives conduct systematic reviews acquisitions requires secretary notify congressional homeland_security committees house committees appropriations homeland_security senate_committees appropriations homeland_security governmental_affairs decision approve major acquisition program dhs approved acquisition program baseline days acquisition decision memorandum signed report days rationale decision plan action require acquisition program baseline program requires deputy secretary dhs establish dhs wide policies assist dhs identifying validating prioritizing standards common component requirements increase opportunities effectiveness efficiencies requires secretary management coordinate actions establish policies mechanisms necessary reduce duplication dhs investments including major acquisition programs requires comptroller_general conduct review acquisition review board requirements reduce duplication acquisition programs requires secretary notify congressional homeland_security committees days issuance waiver secretary requirements agency engage business contractor excluded party list system maintained general_services_administration explanation compelling reason taking action authorizes dhs inspector_general audit decisions grant procurement awards identify instances contract grant improperly awarded suspended debarred entity corrective actions taken prevent recurrence directs dhs inspector_general review dhs suspension debarment program assess suspension debarment criteria consistently applied disparities exist application criteria particularly respect business size categories title iii acquisition program management accountability transparency establishes process notifying dhs officials breach failure meet cost schedule performance requirements major acquisition program program estimated cost million life cycle cost requires notice breach acquisition program cost greater schedule delay greater days program baseline secretary inspector_general dhs later business days breach identified requires secretary management establish date submission breach remediation plan root cause analysis breach dhs acquisition program cost greater schedule delay greater days compared costs schedule set forth acquisition program baseline program corrective action ensure breach corrected program compliance original acquisition program baseline parameters revised acquisition program baseline approved program cancelled requires secretary notify congressional homeland_security committees breach major acquisition program include written certification acquisition essential dhs mission alternatives capability asset criteria met prohibits funding major acquisition program secretary provides notice certification requires dhs secretary submit congressional homeland_security committees multiyear acquisition strategy guide overall direction dhs acquisitions specified requirements requires secretary submit congressional homeland_security committees comprehensive acquisition status report information updates major acquisition program requires comptroller_general conduct review analyze effectiveness multiyear acquisition strategy requires dhs inspector_general later years comptroller_general report multiyear acquisition strategy conduct review dhs complied strategy requirements provide acquisition review board capability development plan major acquisition program


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on June 17, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

CBRN Intelligence and Information Sharing Act of 2015

 (Sec. 2) Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Office of Intelligence and Analysis of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) support homeland security-focused intelligence analysis of terrorist actors, their claims, and their plans to conduct attacks involving chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials against the nation and of global infectious disease, public health, food, agricultural, and veterinary issues; (2) support homeland security-focused risk analysis and risk assessments of such homeland security hazards, including the transportation of chemical, biological, nuclear, and radiological materials, by providing relevant quantitative and nonquantitative threat information; (3) leverage homeland security intelligence capabilities and structures to enhance prevention, protection, response, and recovery efforts with respect to a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear attack; and (4) share information and provide tailored analytical support on these threats to state, local, and tribal authorities as well as other national biosecurity and biodefense stakeholders and other federal agencies, as appropriate.

Requires the Office to coordinate with other DHS components, the Intelligence Community, and federal, state, local, and tribal authorities, including officials from high-threat areas, state and major urban area fusion centers, and local public health departments where appropriate, and enable such entities to provide recommendations on optimal information sharing mechanisms and on how they can provide information to DHS.

Directs DHS to report annually on: (1) intelligence and information sharing activities to counter the threat from attacks using chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials, and (2) DHS's activities in accordance with relevant intelligence strategies. Terminates this reporting requirement after the end of the five-year period beginning on this Act's enactment.

(Sec. 3) Requires DHS to ensure that homeland security information analyzed by it concerning terrorist threats is provided to state, local, tribal, and private entities and the public.

measure amended reported house june summary version repeated intelligence information sharing act sec amends homeland_security act direct office_of_intelligence_and_analysis department_of_homeland_security dhs support homeland_security focused intelligence analysis terrorist actors claims plans conduct attacks involving chemical biological radiological nuclear materials nation global infectious disease public health food agricultural veterinary issues support homeland_security focused risk analysis risk assessments homeland_security hazards including transportation chemical biological nuclear radiological materials providing relevant quantitative threat information leverage homeland_security intelligence capabilities structures enhance prevention protection response recovery efforts respect chemical biological radiological nuclear attack share information provide tailored analytical support threats state local tribal authorities national biosecurity biodefense stakeholders federal agencies appropriate requires office coordinate dhs components intelligence_community federal state local tribal authorities including officials high threat areas state major urban area fusion centers local public health departments appropriate enable entities provide recommendations optimal information sharing mechanisms provide information dhs directs dhs report annually intelligence information sharing activities counter threat attacks chemical biological radiological nuclear materials dhs activities accordance relevant intelligence strategies terminates reporting requirement end year period beginning act enactment sec requires dhs ensure homeland_security information analyzed concerning terrorist threats provided state local tribal private entities public


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on June 17, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

State Wide Interoperable Communications Enhancement Act or the SWIC Enhancement Act

 (Sec. 2) Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require a state to include in its application for State Homeland Security Grant Program funding a certification: (1) that the governor of the state has designated a Statewide Interoperability Coordinator, or (2) indicating that the state is performing the functions of such a Coordinator in another manner and identifying the primary point of contact for performance of such functions.

Sets forth as such Coordinator's functions:

 coordinating the daily operations of the state's interoperability efforts; coordinating state interoperability and communications projects and grant applications for such projects; establishing and maintaining working groups to develop and implement key interoperability initiatives; and coordinating and updating a Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan that specifies the current status of state efforts to enhance communications interoperability within the state, including future goals for communications interoperability among emergency response agencies in the state.

measure amended reported house june summary version repeated state wide interoperable communications enhancement_act enhancement_act sec amends homeland_security act require state include application state_homeland_security_grant_program funding certification governor state designated statewide interoperability coordinator indicating state performing functions coordinator manner identifying primary point contact performance functions sets forth coordinator functions coordinating daily operations state interoperability efforts coordinating state interoperability communications projects grant applications projects establishing maintaining working groups develop implement key interoperability initiatives coordinating updating statewide communications interoperability plan specifies current status state efforts enhance communications interoperability state including future goals communications interoperability emergency response agencies state