Summary: Amends the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 to: (1) extend until June 30, 2009, the deadline for the final report of the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse Attack; (2) make the Commission chairman in charge of all Commission financial and administrative matters; and (3) provide guaranteed Commission funding for FY2008. Authorizes the chairman of the congressional defense committees to jointly appoint up to three additional Commission members.

amends floyd spence national_defense_authorization_act fiscal year extend june deadline final report commission assess threat united_states electromagnetic pulse attack commission chairman charge commission financial administrative matters provide guaranteed commission funding fy2008 authorizes chairman congressional defense committees jointly appoint additional commission members


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish an independent panel to assess the homeland security needs of the National Capital Region. Requires the panel to: (1) determine whether the definition of National Capital Region used by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) should be modified to include additional areas, including jurisdictions in Maryland and Virginia along Interstate Routes 270, 95, and 66; and (2) determine whether those jurisdictions should be taking actions to prepare for a terrorist attack in the Region, including the construction of necessary facilities, and if so, to make recommendations for appropriate funding.

directs secretary homeland_security establish independent panel assess homeland_security needs national_capital_region requires panel determine definition national_capital_region department_of_homeland_security dhs modified include additional areas including jurisdictions maryland virginia interstate routes determine jurisdictions taking actions prepare terrorist attack region including construction necessary facilities recommendations appropriate funding


Summary: Smarter Funding for All of America's Homeland Security Act of 2007 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a State and Regional First Responder Grant Program under which the Secretary may make grants to states and eligible regional entities on the basis of the threat to a state or region's population and critical infrastructure, as determined by the Under Secretary for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary, to evaluate and prioritize grant applications, considering factors such as threats to the population, specific economic sectors, major communications nodes and transportation systems, specific elements of the food supply, the water and energy supplies, civic infrastructure and emergency response capabilities, and specific structures of symbolic national importance. Bars the use of grant funds to supplant state or local funds that would otherwise be available for homeland security or first responder projects. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish the Advisory Council on First Responders, which shall report to the Secretary through the head of the Office of State and Local Government Coordination; and (2) revise the Homeland Security Advisory System to require that any designation of a threat level or other warning be accompanied by a designation of the geographic regions and economic sectors to which it applies. Directs the Under Secretary for Science and Technology to conduct a study of whether there is a need to assign additional bands of frequencies of electromagnetic spectrum to assist first responders.

smarter funding america homeland_security act amends homeland_security act direct secretary homeland_security establish state regional responder grant program secretary grants states eligible regional entities basis threat state region population critical infrastructure determined secretary information analysis infrastructure protection requires secretary acting secretary evaluate prioritize grant applications considering factors threats population specific economic sectors major communications transportation systems specific elements food supply water energy supplies civic infrastructure emergency response capabilities specific structures national importance bars use grant funds supplant state local funds available homeland_security responder projects directs secretary establish advisory_council responders shall report secretary head office state local government coordination revise homeland_security advisory system require designation threat level warning accompanied designation geographic regions economic sectors applies directs secretary science_and_technology conduct study need assign additional bands frequencies electromagnetic spectrum assist responders


Summary: Urban Area Security Initiative Improvement Act of 2007 - Makes each of the 100 most populous U.S. urban areas eligible for a grant under the Urban Area Security Initiative. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to award such grants after considering a study of how the variation in the output of models used for such awards can be apportioned to different sources of variation.

urban_area_security_initiative improvement act makes urban areas eligible grant urban_area_security_initiative directs secretary homeland_security award grants considering study variation output models awards apportioned different sources variation


Summary: Improving Communications Interoperability Grant Program Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security, through the Director of the Office of Grants and Training, to establish the Improve Communications for Emergency Response Grant Program to make grants to states and regions for initiatives to improve interoperable emergency communications, including initiatives to achieve solutions to statewide, regional, national, and, where appropriate, international interoperability.

improving communications interoperability grant program act_-_amends homeland_security act direct secretary homeland_security director office grants training establish improve communications emergency response grant program grants states regions initiatives improve interoperable emergency communications including initiatives achieve solutions statewide regional national appropriate international interoperability


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure that a sufficient number of full-time equivalent personnel, who are properly trained and qualified to apply legal, economic, and risk analyses, are involved in the review and prioritization of anti-terrorism technologies to determine whether such technologies may be designated or certified anti-terrorism technologies under the SAFETY Act. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish a formal coordination process that includes the official of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with primary responsibility for the implementation of such Act, the Chief Procurement Officer of DHS, the Under Secretary for Science and Technology, the Under Secretary for Policy, and the General Counsel of DHS to ensure the maximum application of the litigation and risk management provisions of such Act to anti-terrorism technologies procured by DHS; (2) promote awareness and utilization of the litigation and risk management provisions of such Act in the procurement of anti-terrorism technologies; and (3) issue a departmental management directive providing for coordination between DHS procurement officials and any other DHS official responsible for implementing such Act in advance of any DHS procurement of an anti-terrorism technology.

directs secretary homeland_security ensure sufficient number time equivalent personnel properly trained qualified apply legal economic risk analyses involved review prioritization anti terrorism technologies determine technologies designated certified anti terrorism technologies safety act requires secretary establish formal coordination process includes official department_of_homeland_security dhs primary responsibility implementation act chief procurement officer dhs secretary science_and_technology secretary policy general counsel dhs ensure maximum application litigation risk management provisions act anti terrorism technologies procured dhs promote awareness utilization litigation risk management provisions act procurement anti terrorism technologies issue departmental management directive providing coordination dhs procurement officials dhs official responsible implementing act advance dhs procurement anti terrorism technology


Summary: Canine Detection Team Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) fully coordinate Department of Homeland Security (DHS) canine training programs; (2) ensure that DHS is maximizing its use of existing training facilities and resources to train canines throughout the year; (3) make it a priority to increase the number of domestically bred canines used by DHS to assist its counterterrorism mission; (4) increase the utilization of domestically bred canines from universities and private and nonprofit sources; and (5) consult with other federal, state, and local agencies, nonprofit organizations, universities, and private entities that use detection canines, as well as the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), to encourage domestic breeding of canines and to consolidate canine procurement across the federal government. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a competitive grant program for domestic breeders of canines; (2) establish a Homeland Security Canine Detection Accreditation Board; and (3) prohibit the use of grant funds to acquire a canine detection team that is not certified, except under special circumstances.

canine detection team improvement act amends homeland_security act direct secretary homeland_security fully coordinate department_of_homeland_security dhs canine training programs ensure dhs maximizing use existing training facilities resources train year priority increase number domestically bred dhs assist counterterrorism mission increase utilization domestically bred universities private nonprofit sources consult federal state local agencies nonprofit organizations universities private entities use detection office_of_management_and_budget omb encourage domestic breeding consolidate canine procurement federal_government directs secretary establish competitive grant program domestic establish homeland_security canine detection accreditation board prohibit use grant funds acquire canine detection team certified special circumstances


Summary: State Defense Force Improvement Act - Recognizes state defense forces as integral military components of the homeland security effort of the United States, while reaffirming that such forces remain entirely state regulated, organized, and equipped, and recognizing that they will be used for homeland security purposes exclusively at the local level under state law. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to coordinate homeland security efforts with, and provide assistance (including the use of Department of Defense (DOD) property, arms, equipment, and facilities) to, a state defense force, upon request. Leaves participation by a state defense force in a DOD or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) training program to state discretion. Requires a state to reimburse DOD for training assistance costs. Provides that funds available to DOD may not be made available to a state defense force. Makes the state liable for any injuries or damages incurred by a defense force member while engaged in training activities or state active duty.

state defense force improvement act recognizes state defense forces integral military components homeland_security effort united_states forces remain entirely state regulated organized equipped recognizing homeland_security purposes exclusively local level state law authorizes secretary defense coordinate homeland_security efforts provide assistance including use department_of_defense dod property arms equipment facilities state defense force request leaves participation state defense force dod department_of_homeland_security dhs training program state discretion requires state reimburse dod training assistance costs provides funds available dod available state defense force makes state liable injuries damages incurred defense force member engaged training activities state active duty


Summary: Amends the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 to repeal provisions authorizing the President to: (1) employ the Armed Forces to restore public order and enforce the law in major public emergencies; and (2) provide supplies, services, and equipment to persons affected by the situation. Restores previous authority of the President to use the Armed Forces to suppress situations which interfere with state or federal law.

amends john_warner_national_defense_authorization_act fiscal year repeal provisions authorizing president employ armed_forces restore public order enforce law major public emergencies provide supplies services equipment persons affected situation restores previous authority president use armed_forces suppress situations interfere state federal law


Summary: Promoting Antiterrorism Cooperation through Technology and Science Act, or PACTS Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Under Secretary for Science and Technology of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish the Science and Technology Homeland Security International Cooperative Programs Office (the Office). Provides for the Office to be headed by a Director, who: (1) shall be selected by and shall report to the Under Secretary; and (2) may be an officer of DHS serving in another position. Requires the Director to: (1) develop, in consultation with the Department of State, understandings or agreements that allow and support international cooperative activity in support of homeland security research, development, and comparative testing; (2) develop, in coordination with the Directorate of Science and Technology, the other components of DHS, and other federal agencies, strategic priorities for such activity; and (3) facilitate the planning, development, and implementation of international cooperative activity to address such priorities. Requires the Director to: (1) facilitate the matching of U.S. entities with non-U.S. entities that may partner in homeland security research activities; and (2) ensure that activities are coordinated with those of other relevant research agencies. Permits the Director to run projects jointly with other agencies. Authorizes the Director to hold international homeland security technology workshops and conferences to improve contact among the international community of technology developers and to help establish direction for future technology goals. Authorizes the Under Secretary to carry out international cooperative activities to support specified responsibilities of the Under Secretary, including through the award of grants and the entering into of cooperative agreements or contracts. Instructs the Under Secretary to ensure that funding and resources expended in international cooperative activities will be equitably matched by the foreign partner organization through direct funding or funding of complimentary activities, or through the provision of staff, facilities, materials, or equipment. Permits the Under Secretary to make or accept loans of equipment for research and development and comparative testing purposes. Authorizes the Under Secretary to conduct international cooperative activities jointly with other agencies. Specifies that foreign partners may include: (1) Israel; (2) the United Kingdom; (3) Canada; (4) Australia; (5) Singapore; and (6) other allies in the global war on terrorism, as appropriate. Authorizes the Under Secretary, in coordination with the Chief Medical Officer, as part of the international cooperative activities authorized by this Act, to facilitate the development of information sharing and other types of cooperative mechanisms with foreign countries, including African nations, to strengthen American preparedness against threats to the U.S's agricultural and public health sectors from exotic diseases. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of DHS, which shall be derived from amounts otherwise authorized for the Directorate of Science and Technology, for FY2008-FY2011 for activities under this Act. States that, whenever the Office participates in an international cooperative activity with a foreign country on a cost-sharing basis, any reimbursements or contributions received from that foreign country to meet its share of the project may be credited to appropriate current appropriations accounts of the Directorate of Science and Technology. Requires the Under Secretary, acting through the Director, to transmit: (1) a specified report to Congress on such international cooperative activities; and (2) updates of such report every five years.

promoting antiterrorism cooperation technology science act act_-_amends homeland_security act direct secretary science_and_technology department_of_homeland_security dhs establish science_and_technology homeland_security international cooperative programs office office provides office headed director shall selected shall report secretary officer dhs serving position requires director develop consultation department_of_state agreements allow support international cooperative activity support homeland_security research development comparative testing develop coordination directorate science_and_technology components dhs federal agencies strategic priorities activity facilitate planning development implementation international cooperative activity address priorities requires director facilitate matching entities non entities partner homeland_security research activities ensure activities coordinated relevant research agencies permits director run projects jointly agencies authorizes director hold international homeland_security technology workshops conferences improve contact international community technology developers help establish direction future technology goals authorizes secretary carry international cooperative activities support specified responsibilities secretary including award grants entering cooperative agreements contracts instructs secretary ensure funding resources expended international cooperative activities equitably matched foreign partner organization direct funding funding complimentary activities provision staff facilities materials equipment permits secretary accept loans equipment research development comparative testing purposes authorizes secretary conduct international cooperative activities jointly agencies specifies foreign partners include israel united_kingdom canada australia allies global war terrorism appropriate authorizes secretary coordination chief medical officer international cooperative activities authorized act facilitate development information sharing types cooperative mechanisms foreign countries including african nations strengthen american preparedness threats agricultural public health sectors exotic diseases authorizes appropriations secretary dhs shall derived amounts authorized directorate science_and_technology fy2008 fy2011 activities act states office participates international cooperative activity foreign country cost sharing basis reimbursements contributions received foreign country meet share project credited appropriate current appropriations accounts directorate science_and_technology requires secretary acting director transmit specified report congress international cooperative activities updates report years


Summary: Targeting Homeland Security Resources Effectively Against Terrorism Act of 2007 or the THREAT Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to carry out a program of discretionary grants for use in high-threat, high-density urban areas. Directs the Secretary to make grants to not more than 15 areas in a fiscal year after considering the population, presence of critical infrastructure, and credibility of the terrorism-related threat for an area. Requires amounts awarded to be disbursed directly to local governments.

targeting homeland_security resources effectively terrorism act threat act_-_directs secretary homeland_security carry program discretionary grants use high threat high density urban areas directs secretary grants areas fiscal year considering population presence critical infrastructure credibility terrorism related threat area requires amounts awarded disbursed directly local governments


Summary: Berry Amendment Extension Act - Prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from procuring specified covered items directly related to national security interests (including clothing, tents, or natural fiber products) that are not grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced in the United States, except to the extent satisfactory quality and sufficient quantity of any such product cannot be procured as and when needed. Makes additional exceptions for: (1) procurements by vessels in foreign waters; (2) emergency procurements; and (3) purchases for amounts not greater than the simplified acquisition threshold ($100,000). Directs the Secretary to ensure that: (1) each member of DHS's acquisition workforce who regularly participates in textile acquisition receives training during FY2008 on this Act's requirements; and (2) any such training includes comprehensive information on such requirements. Makes this Act inapplicable to the extent that it is inconsistent with U.S. obligations under an international agreement.

amendment extension act prohibits department_of_homeland_security dhs procuring specified covered items directly related national security interests including clothing natural fiber products grown produced united_states extent satisfactory quality sufficient quantity product procured needed makes additional exceptions procurements vessels foreign waters emergency procurements purchases amounts greater simplified acquisition threshold directs secretary ensure member dhs acquisition workforce regularly participates textile acquisition receives training fy2008 act requirements training includes comprehensive information requirements makes act inapplicable extent inconsistent obligations international agreement


Summary: Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Enhancement and Authorization Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to carry out an Urban Areas Security Initiative Grants Program, under which the Secretary may make grants: (1) to purchase equipment, conduct exercises, and provide training and technical assistance to state and local first responders and for facilities to provide training or assistance to responders; and (2) to provide reimbursement for specified expenses if 100 or more personnel in the relevant jurisdiction are dedicated exclusively to counterterrorism and intelligence activities. Directs the Secretary to make such grants: (1) generally in accordance with the procedures, terms, and conditions under which grants were made under the program in FY2005; and (2) based solely on a quantitative assessment of the risk of a terrorist attack on high-threat, high-density urban areas that considers the threat of a terrorist attack to particular assets and the vulnerability of particular assets to, and the consequences of, such an attack. Directs the Secretary, upon finding any problem in a grant application, to notify the applicant and provide an opportunity to correct it before making a grant. Makes: (1) fund allocations and grant approvals by the Secretary subject to modification by the President; and (2) provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act regarding the state and local domestic preparedness support grant program inapplicable.

urban_area_security_initiative grant enhancement authorization act authorizes secretary department_of_homeland_security dhs carry urban areas security initiative grants program secretary grants purchase equipment conduct exercises provide training technical assistance state local responders facilities provide training assistance responders provide reimbursement specified expenses personnel relevant jurisdiction dedicated exclusively counterterrorism intelligence activities directs secretary grants generally accordance procedures terms conditions grants program based solely quantitative assessment risk terrorist attack high threat high density urban areas considers threat terrorist attack particular assets vulnerability particular assets consequences attack directs secretary finding problem grant application notify applicant provide opportunity correct making grant makes fund allocations grant approvals secretary subject modification president provisions usa patriot act state local domestic preparedness support grant program inapplicable


Summary: Project Bioshield Material Threats Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Homeland Security (the Secretary) to utilize existing risk assessments to assess current and emerging threats of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear agents and determine which of such agents present a material threat against the U.S. population sufficient to affect national security. Requires the Secretary to group such assessments to facilitate assessments by the Secretary of Health and Human Services on the availability and appropriateness of specific countermeasures to address more than one such agent or address adverse health consequences that are common to exposure to different agents. Requires the Secretary to complete assessments by December 31, 2007, for those agents known to the Secretary by the date of enactment of this Act that are capable of significantly affecting national security and to submit the results to Congress.Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to reauthorize appropriations through FY2009 for the Secretary to carry out such terror threat assessments. Authorizes additional appropriations to enable the Secretary to meet the deadlines established under this Act.

project material threats act amends public_health_service_act require secretary homeland_security secretary utilize existing risk assessments assess current emerging threats chemical biological radiological nuclear agents determine agents present material threat population sufficient affect national security requires secretary group assessments facilitate assessments secretary health_and_human_services availability appropriateness specific countermeasures address agent address adverse health consequences common exposure different agents requires secretary complete assessments december agents known secretary date enactment act capable significantly affecting national security submit results congress amends homeland_security act reauthorize appropriations fy2009 secretary carry terror threat assessments authorizes additional appropriations enable secretary meet deadlines established act


Summary: REAL ID Repeal and Identification Security Enhancement Act of 2007 - Repeals title II of the Real ID Act of 2005.Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) establish by regulation minimum standards for acceptance of state-issued driver's licenses and personal identification cards by federal agencies; (2) establish a negotiated rulemaking process before publishing such standards; and (3) award grants to states to assist them in conforming to such standards. Prohibits federal agencies from accepting state-issued driver's licenses and personal identification cards after specified deadlines unless such identification conforms to the minimum standards promulgated under this Act.

real repeal identification security enhancement_act repeals title real act secretary homeland_security establish regulation minimum standards acceptance state issued driver licenses personal identification cards federal agencies establish negotiated rulemaking process publishing standards award grants states assist conforming standards prohibits federal agencies accepting state issued driver licenses personal identification cards specified deadlines identification conforms minimum standards promulgated act


Summary: Biosurveillance Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a National Biosurveillance Integration Center (NBIC) to enhance the government's capability to rapidly identify, characterize, and localize a biological event (a terrorist act involving biological agents or toxins or a naturally occurring outbreak of infectious disease of potential national significance) by integrating and analyzing data related to human health, animals, plants, food, and the environment. Requires the Director of NBIC to develop, operate, and maintain an integrated network to detect a biological event that presents a risk to the United States or its infrastructure or key assets. Includes among the Director's responsibilities establishment of a procedure to enable government and private sector entities to report suspicious events. Requires the Director to continuously evaluate data, integrate homeland security information with NBIC data, and establish a mechanism for real-time communication with the National Operations Center.Directs the Secretary to: (1) seek agreements for appropriate federal agency heads to integrate biosurveillance information capabilities through NBIC and to provide timely, evaluated information; (2) ensure that the Director is notified of homeland security information regarding significant biological threats and receives timely reports; (3) designate NBIC as a public health authority; and (4) ensure that NBIC complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and applicable privacy regulations.Requires: (1) the Director to establish an interagency working group; and (2) the Secretary to report annually to Congress.

enhancement_act amends homeland_security act direct secretary homeland_security establish national integration center enhance government capability rapidly identify characterize biological event terrorist act involving biological agents toxins naturally occurring outbreak infectious disease potential national significance integrating analyzing data related human health animals plants food environment requires director develop operate maintain integrated network detect biological event presents risk united_states infrastructure key assets includes director responsibilities establishment procedure enable government private sector entities report suspicious events requires director continuously evaluate data integrate homeland_security information data establish mechanism real time communication national operations center directs secretary seek agreements appropriate federal agency heads integrate information capabilities provide timely evaluated information ensure director notified homeland_security information significant biological threats receives timely reports designate public health authority ensure complies health_insurance_portability_and_accountability_act applicable privacy regulations requires director establish interagency_working_group secretary report annually congress


Summary: Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to study and report to specified congressional committees on the functions and capabilities of the Civil Air Patrol to support the homeland security missions of state, local, and tribal governments and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Requires the Comptroller General to review the process by which the Civil Air Patrol may provide assistance to the Secretary of Homeland Security, other federal agencies, and states to support homeland security missions, including by providing aerial reconnaissance or communications capabilities for border security or by providing capabilities for collective response to an act of terrorism, natural disaster, or other man-made event.Directs the Comptroller General's report to include assessments of: (1) of the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of using Civil Air Patrol assets; and (2) whether current mechanisms for requesting support from the Civil Air Patrol are sufficient.Requires the Secretary to analyze the study and report to the committees any recommendations for action that could affect DHS's organization and administration.

directs comptroller_general_of_the_united_states study report specified congressional committees functions capabilities civil air patrol support homeland_security missions state local tribal governments department_of_homeland_security dhs requires comptroller_general review process civil air patrol provide assistance secretary homeland_security federal agencies states support homeland_security missions including providing aerial reconnaissance communications capabilities border_security providing capabilities collective response act terrorism natural disaster man event directs comptroller_general report include assessments feasibility cost effectiveness civil air patrol assets current mechanisms requesting support civil air patrol sufficient requires secretary analyze study report committees recommendations action affect dhs organization administration


Summary: Restoring the Constitution Act of 2007 - Amends federal provisions concerning the prosecution of unlawful enemy combatants by U.S. military commissions to, among other things: (1) repeal the authority for civilian trial (prosecution) counsel in a commission proceeding, but authorize civilian military defense counsel; (2) exclude statements made by coercion; (3) authorize the Secretary of Defense to make exceptions to commission procedures and rules of evidence as required by unique circumstances of military or intelligence operations during hostilities; (4) provide for self-representation by the accused, while requiring assistance by military defense counsel; (5) authorize the military judge to dismiss charges or take other action upon a determination that substitute information for classified exculpatory evidence is insufficient to protect the fair trial right of the defendant; (6) require commission decision review by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces rather than by the Court of Military Commission Review; (7) provide the scope of review of detention-related decisions; (8) repeal a provision of the Military Commissions Act of 2006 prohibiting invoking the Geneva Conventions (Conventions) or similar protocols in any habeas corpus or other action to which the United States is a party; (9) require the President to notify other parties to the Conventions that the United States expects members of U.S. Armed Forces and other U.S. citizens detained in a conflict not of an international character to be treated in a manner consistent with the Conventions; (10) include as War Crime offenses the denial of trial rights and the imposition of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment; (11) restore habeas corpus for individuals detained by the United States; and (12) provide for expedited judicial review of civil actions that challenges any provision of the Military Commissions Act of 2006.

restoring constitution act amends federal provisions concerning prosecution unlawful enemy combatants military commissions things repeal authority civilian trial prosecution counsel commission proceeding authorize civilian military defense counsel exclude statements coercion authorize secretary defense exceptions commission procedures rules evidence required unique circumstances military intelligence operations hostilities provide self representation accused requiring assistance military defense counsel authorize military judge dismiss charges action determination substitute information classified evidence insufficient protect fair trial right defendant require commission decision review court_of_appeals armed_forces court military commission review provide scope review detention related decisions repeal provision military commissions act prohibiting invoking geneva conventions conventions similar protocols habeas corpus action united_states party require president notify parties conventions united_states expects members armed_forces citizens detained conflict international character treated manner consistent conventions include war crime offenses denial trial rights imposition cruel inhuman degrading treatment punishment restore habeas corpus individuals detained united_states provide expedited judicial review civil actions challenges provision military commissions act


Summary: Chemical Facility Security Improvement Act of 2007 - Prohibits federal funds from being used by the Secretary of Homeland Security to approve a site security plan for a chemical facility unless the facility meets or exceeds security standards and requirements to protect it against terrorist acts established by the state or local government for the area where it is located.Amends the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007 to: (1) repeal a provision prohibiting the Secretary from disapproving a site security plan based on the presence or absence of a particular security measure; (2) require vulnerability assessments and site security plans to be treated as sensitive security information; and (3) repeal a provision limiting to the Secretary any right of action against a chemical facility owner or operator to enforce security measures.

chemical facility security improvement act prohibits federal funds secretary homeland_security approve site security plan chemical facility facility meets exceeds security standards requirements protect terrorist acts established state local government area located amends department_of_homeland_security appropriations act repeal provision prohibiting secretary disapproving site security plan based presence absence particular security measure require vulnerability assessments site security plans treated sensitive security information repeal provision limiting secretary right action chemical facility owner operator enforce security measures


Summary: Safe Facilities Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide that no federal law, regulation, or agency action shall preempt any state law or regulation relating to the security of chemical facilities that is more stringent than the federal law, including any state law or regulation that takes effect after this Act's enactment.

safe facilities act_-_amends homeland_security act provide federal law regulation agency action shall preempt state law regulation relating security chemical facilities stringent federal law including state law regulation takes effect act enactment


Summary: Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to prohibit the Secretary of Homeland Security from prescribing regulations that preclude or deny any right of a state or political subdivision to adopt or enforce any regulation, requirement, or standard of performance regarding chemical facility security that is more stringent than a regulation prescribed by the Secretary.

amends homeland_security act prohibit secretary homeland_security prescribing regulations preclude deny right state political subdivision adopt enforce regulation requirement standard performance chemical facility security stringent regulation prescribed secretary


Summary: Preventing Radicalism by Exploring and Vetting its Emergence as a National Threat (PREVENT) Act - Establishes in the legislative branch the National Commission on Radicalization and Terrorism to: (1) examine and report upon facts and causes relating to radicalization in the United States; (2) build upon the work of and work together with related advisory bodies, and review the findings of related studies and academic works; and (3) report to the President and Congress on recommendations for countermeasures to radicalization, and measures to prevent radicalization from developing and spreading, within the United States. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to work with the Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events (CREATE), led by the University of Southern California, to evaluate the feasibility and practicality of creating further incentives for private sector critical infrastructure stakeholders to participate in the sharing of protected critical infrastructure information.

preventing exploring vetting national threat prevent act establishes legislative branch national_commission radicalization terrorism examine report facts causes relating radicalization united_states build work work related advisory bodies review findings related studies academic works report president congress recommendations countermeasures radicalization measures prevent radicalization developing spreading united_states directs secretary homeland_security work center risk economic analysis terrorism events create led university southern_california evaluate feasibility creating incentives private sector critical infrastructure stakeholders participate sharing protected critical infrastructure information


Summary: Domestic Preparedness Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to make grants to address homeland security preparedness shortcomings of units of municipal and county government. Specifies that each grant shall be made for one of the following categories: (1) equipment and training; or (2) improving interoperability between members of a consortium of municipal and county governments. Sets limitations on the federal share of the costs of activities carried out with such grants. Mandates that an applicant be a unit of municipal or county government or a consortium of such units in order to be eligible for a grant under this Act. States that the Secretary may not make a grant under this Act unless the applicant conducts an assessment of the applicant's risk and vulnerability to possible acts of terrorism, including conventional, biological, nuclear, and chemical attacks. Provides that grant amounts: (1) shall be used only for the category of use for which the grant is made; (2) may be used only for new domestic preparedness initiatives; (3) shall not be used to sustain or supplement an existing program; and (4) may be distributed to fire departments, police departments, emergency services, and public health agencies of the grantee.

domestic preparedness act authorizes secretary homeland_security grants address homeland_security preparedness units municipal county government specifies grant shall following categories equipment training improving interoperability members consortium municipal county governments sets limitations federal share costs activities carried grants mandates applicant unit municipal county government consortium units order eligible grant act states secretary grant act applicant conducts assessment applicant risk vulnerability possible acts terrorism including conventional biological nuclear chemical attacks provides grant amounts shall category use grant new domestic preparedness initiatives shall sustain supplement existing program distributed fire departments police departments emergency services public health agencies grantee


Summary: Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) a National Bio- and Agro-defense Facility (NBAF), which shall: (1) be an integrated human, foreign-animal, and disease research, development, testing, and evaluation facility to support DHS, the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and other federal agencies in defending against the threat of agroterrorism and certain naturally-occurring incidents related to agriculture; and (2) produce and share knowledge and technology for the purpose of protecting animal and public health and reducing economic losses caused by diseases of livestock and poultry. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Agriculture to develop a joint strategy to define the respective roles and responsibilities of DHS and USDA regarding activities undertaken at NBAF on foreign animal diseases. Authorizes the Secretaries to: (1) enter into agreements with the heads of federal agencies with missions that may be supported by NBAF activities; or (2) use existing agreements with such heads to define the respective roles and responsibilities of each agency in carrying out research, development, testing, evaluation, and diagnostic activities at NBAF.Directs the DHS Secretary to appoint a Director of NBAF who shall be responsible for: (1) managing, operating, and maintaining NBAF; (2) ensuring NBAF physical site security, information security, biosafety, biosecurity, and biosurety; (3) developing an emergency response plan for training and notifying emergency response providers in the surrounding community; and (4) monitoring the activities of DHS and USDA and reporting to the respective Secretaries on the status of the fulfillment of each Department's obligations.Requires the DHS Secretary to appoint one or more Directors of Homeland Security Programs, one of whom shall be the Director of Homeland Security Research Programs at NBAF. Makes that Director responsible for: (1) directing the research programs of DHS at NBAF; (2) facilitating the coordination of federal, state, and local governmental efforts and resources relating to DHS's activities carried out pursuant to the joint strategy; (3) providing training to DHS research and technical staff at NBAF; (4) conducting animal model development, testing, and evaluation to support the development of human medical countermeasures; and (5) leveraging the expertise of academic institutions, private industry, the Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratories, state and local governmental resources, and professional organizations to carry out DHS's activities at NBAF.Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint one or more Directors of USDA Programs at NBAF who shall be responsible for directing the programs of the Department at NBAF. Directs the DHS Secretary to ensure that the NBAF facility: (1) consists of state-of-the-art biocontainment laboratories capable of performing research and activities at Biosafety Levels 3 and 4; (2) is of sufficient size in terms of acreage and laboratory capacity and has access to necessary supporting infrastructure to enable the Secretaries to carry out their respective responsibilities pursuant to the joint strategy; and (3) is located at a site that has been subject to an Environmental Impact Statement. Authorizes the DHS Secretary to acquire real property for NBAF through purchase or donation and to accept and use in-kind donations of personal property, laboratory and office space, utility services, and infrastructure upgrades to carry out the purposes of the Act.Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue a permit to the DHS Secretary for work on the live virus of foot and mouth disease at NBAF, which shall be valid unless the Secretary of Agriculture finds that the study of such live virus at NBAF is not being carried out in accordance with regulations issued under the Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002. Authorizes appropriations.

amends homeland_security act establish department_of_homeland_security dhs national defense facility shall integrated human foreign animal disease research development testing evaluation facility support dhs department_of_agriculture usda federal agencies defending threat certain naturally occurring incidents related agriculture produce share knowledge technology purpose protecting animal public health reducing economic losses caused diseases livestock poultry directs secretary homeland_security secretary agriculture develop joint strategy define respective roles responsibilities dhs usda activities undertaken foreign animal diseases authorizes secretaries enter agreements heads federal agencies missions supported activities use existing agreements heads define respective roles responsibilities agency carrying research development testing evaluation diagnostic activities dhs secretary appoint director shall responsible managing operating maintaining ensuring physical site security information security biosafety biosecurity developing emergency response plan training notifying emergency response providers surrounding community monitoring activities dhs usda reporting respective secretaries status fulfillment department obligations requires dhs secretary appoint directors homeland_security programs shall director homeland_security research programs makes director responsible directing research programs dhs facilitating coordination federal state local governmental efforts resources relating dhs activities carried pursuant joint strategy providing training dhs research technical staff conducting animal model development testing evaluation support development human medical countermeasures leveraging expertise academic institutions private industry department_of_energy doe national_laboratories state local governmental resources professional organizations carry dhs activities secretary agriculture appoint directors usda programs shall responsible directing programs department directs dhs secretary ensure facility consists state art laboratories capable performing research activities biosafety levels sufficient size terms acreage laboratory capacity access necessary supporting infrastructure enable secretaries carry respective responsibilities pursuant joint strategy located site subject environmental impact statement authorizes dhs secretary acquire real property purchase donation accept use kind donations personal property laboratory office space utility services infrastructure upgrades carry purposes act directs secretary agriculture issue permit dhs secretary work live virus foot mouth disease shall valid secretary agriculture finds study live virus carried accordance regulations issued agricultural bioterrorism protection act authorizes appropriations


Summary: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to add a new section concerning the prevention of violent radicalization (an extremist belief system for facilitating ideologically based violence to advance political, religious, or social change) and homegrown terrorism (violence by a group or individual within the United States to coerce the U.S. government, the civilian population, or a segment thereof in furtherance of political or social objectives). Establishes within the legislative branch the National Commission on the Prevention of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism to: (1) examine and report on facts and causes of violent radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based violence in the United States; and (2) build upon, bring together, and avoid unnecessary duplication of related work done by other entities toward such goal. Requires: (1) interim reports and a final report from the Commission to the President and Congress on its findings and recommendations; (2) the public availability of such reports; and (3) Commission termination 30 days after its final report. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish or designate a university-based Center of Excellence for the Study of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism in the United States to assist federal, state, local, and tribal homeland security officials, through training, education, and research, in preventing violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism in the United States. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct a survey of methodologies implemented by foreign nations to prevent violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism; and (2) report to Congress on lessons learned from survey results. Prohibits Department of Homeland Security (DHS) efforts to prevent ideologically based violence and homegrown terrorism from violating the constitutional and civil rights or civil liberties of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Directs the: (1) Secretary to ensure that activities and operations are in compliance with DHS's commitment to racial neutrality; and (2) DHS Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Officer to develop and implement an auditing system to ensure that compliance does not violate the constitutional and civil rights or civil liberties of any racial, ethnic, or religious group, and to include audit results in its annual report to Congress.

violent radicalization terrorism prevention act amends homeland_security act add new section concerning prevention violent radicalization extremist belief system facilitating based violence advance political religious social change terrorism violence group individual united_states coerce government civilian population segment thereof furtherance political social objectives establishes legislative branch national_commission prevention violent radicalization terrorism examine report facts causes violent radicalization terrorism based violence united_states build bring avoid unnecessary duplication related work entities goal requires interim reports final report commission president congress findings recommendations public availability reports commission termination days final report directs secretary homeland_security establish designate university based center_of_excellence study violent radicalization terrorism united_states assist federal state local tribal homeland_security officials training education research preventing violent radicalization terrorism united_states requires secretary conduct survey methodologies implemented foreign nations prevent violent radicalization terrorism report congress lessons learned survey results prohibits department_of_homeland_security dhs efforts prevent based violence terrorism violating constitutional civil rights civil liberties citizens lawful permanent residents directs secretary ensure activities operations compliance dhs commitment racial neutrality dhs civil rights civil liberties officer develop implement auditing system ensure compliance violate constitutional civil rights civil liberties racial ethnic religious group include audit results annual report congress


Summary: Counter Terrorism Financing Coordination Act - Directs The Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury to negotiate and enter into a Memorandum of Agreement specifying each Department's role in providing foreign counterterrorism financing training and technical assistance. Requires such Agreement to include provisions respecting: (1) leadership and role designations; (2) dispute resolution methodology; (3) funding and resource coordination; (4) private contractor determinations; and (5) performance evaluation criteria. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to include in the annual congressional report on terrorist assets information on the nature and extent of activities to block the financial asset access of owners or account holders with terrorism connections.

counter terrorism financing coordination act_-_directs secretary state secretary treasury negotiate enter memorandum agreement specifying department role providing foreign counterterrorism financing training technical assistance requires agreement include provisions respecting leadership role designations dispute resolution methodology funding resource coordination private contractor determinations performance evaluation criteria directs secretary treasury include annual congressional report terrorist assets information nature extent activities block financial asset access owners account holders terrorism connections


Summary: Grants immunity from civil liability to persons who: (1) in good faith report threats to or acts of terrorism against transportation systems or passengers; and (2) take reasonable action to mitigate such actions.

grants immunity civil liability persons good faith report threats acts terrorism transportation systems passengers reasonable action mitigate actions


Summary: Border Infrastructure and Technology Modernization Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) increase, during FY2008-FY2012, the number of agents in the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement of the DHS and the number of officers and agricultural specialists in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection of the DHS; and (2) provide such agents, officers, and agricultural specialists new technology training to a level of proficiency acceptable to protect U.S. borders. Directs the Commissioner of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to review and update, and submit to Congress, the Port of Entry Infrastructure Assessment Study and the nationwide strategy to prioritize and address the infrastructure needs at the land ports-of-entry. Directs the Secretary to prepare annually, and submit to Congress, a National Land Border Security Plan that includes a vulnerability assessment of each port of entry located on the U.S. northern and southern borders. Authorizes the Secretary to establish one or more port security coordinators at such ports of entry. Directs the Commissioner to: (1) develop a plan to expand the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program or other voluntary government-private sector programs to improve overall international supply chain security, including security along the U.S. northern and southern borders; and (2) establish a demonstration program to develop a cooperative trade security system to improve supply chain security along the southern border. Directs the Secretary to carry out a technology demonstration program to test and evaluate new port of entry technologies that enhance port of entry inspections and the detection of weapons of mass destruction, and to train personnel in its use. Sets forth streamlining procedures and certain local employment requirements for projects and programs under this Act.

border infrastructure technology modernization act directs secretary department_of_homeland_security dhs increase fy2008 fy2012 number agents immigration customs enforcement dhs number officers agricultural specialists customs border_protection dhs provide agents officers agricultural specialists new technology training level proficiency acceptable protect borders directs commissioner customs border_protection review update submit congress port entry infrastructure assessment study nationwide strategy prioritize address infrastructure needs land ports entry directs secretary prepare annually submit congress national land border_security plan includes vulnerability assessment port entry located northern southern borders authorizes secretary establish port security coordinators ports entry directs commissioner develop plan expand customs-trade_partnership_against_terrorism program voluntary government private sector programs improve overall international supply chain security including security northern southern borders establish demonstration program develop cooperative trade security system improve supply chain security southern border directs secretary carry technology demonstration program test evaluate new port entry technologies enhance port entry inspections detection weapons mass destruction train personnel use sets forth streamlining procedures certain local employment requirements projects programs act


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) conduct, through the Coast Guard in the maritime environment, a program for the mobile biometric identification of suspected individuals, including terrorists, to enhance border security and for other purposes; (2) ensure such program's coordination with other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) biometric identification programs; and (3) report to the appropriate congressional committees respecting the cost of expanding the Coast Guard's biometric identification capabilities for use by other Coast Guard and DHS vessels and units. Defines "biometric identification" as the use of fingerprint and digital photography images.

directs secretary homeland_security conduct coast_guard maritime environment program mobile biometric identification suspected individuals including terrorists enhance border_security purposes ensure program coordination department_of_homeland_security dhs biometric identification programs report appropriate congressional committees respecting cost expanding coast_guard biometric identification capabilities use coast_guard dhs vessels units defines biometric identification use fingerprint digital photography images


Summary: Fast and Secure Travel at the Borders Act of 2007 or FAST Borders Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security, through the Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, to establish an automated system for the purpose of the enforcement of U.S. law, including antiterrorism and border security law, to assist in the screening of persons seeking to enter or depart the United States. States that: (1) such system shall provide an administrative process for an individual to apply to correct any information retained by the system; and (2) such corrective process shall not be construed as creating a private right of action and no court shall have jurisdiction on any case or claim arising from the application of such system or corrective administrative process. Authorizes: (1) the Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection to require each vessel, vehicle, and aircraft arriving in the United States from, or departing the United States to, a foreign port or place to transmit to United States Customs and Border Protection a passenger manifest and crew manifest; (2) a civil penalty for non-compliance; and (3) sharing of manifest and passenger name record information with other government agencies.

fast secure travel borders act fast borders act authorizes secretary homeland_security commissioner customs border_protection establish automated system purpose enforcement law including antiterrorism border_security law assist screening persons seeking enter depart united_states states system shall provide administrative process individual apply correct information retained system corrective process shall construed creating private right action court shall jurisdiction case claim arising application system corrective administrative process authorizes commissioner customs border_protection require vessel vehicle aircraft arriving united_states departing united_states foreign port place transmit united_states_customs border_protection passenger manifest crew manifest civil penalty non compliance sharing manifest passenger record information government agencies


Summary: Nuclear Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress: (1) that the President should make the prevention of a nuclear terrorist attack on the United States of the highest priority; and (2) regarding appropriate steps to prevent nuclear terrorism.Directs the President to designate an individual to serve in the Executive Office of the President as the Senior Advisor to the President for the Prevention of Nuclear Terrorism. States as U.S. policy that all possible steps be taken to ensure that all nuclear weapons and formula quantities of strategic special nuclear materials are secure and accounted for, and that all formula quantities of strategic special nuclear material are eliminated or secure and accounted for to a level sufficient to defeat terrorist and criminal threats. Directs the President to seek an international agreement on a global implementing standard for such policy.Requires an annual report from the President to Congress on the security of formula quantities of strategic special nuclear material.Authorizes appropriations for: (1) removal of highly enriched uranium; (2) technical nuclear forensics research and development; (3) conversion of highly enriched uranium; and (4) the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Office of Nuclear Security.

nuclear terrorism prevention act expresses sense congress president prevention nuclear terrorist attack united_states highest priority appropriate steps prevent nuclear terrorism directs president designate individual serve executive_office president senior advisor president prevention nuclear terrorism states policy possible steps taken ensure nuclear weapons formula quantities strategic special nuclear materials secure accounted formula quantities strategic special nuclear material eliminated secure accounted level sufficient defeat terrorist criminal threats directs president seek international agreement global implementing standard policy requires annual report president congress security formula quantities strategic special nuclear material authorizes appropriations removal highly enriched uranium technical nuclear forensics research development conversion highly enriched uranium international_atomic_energy_agency iaea office nuclear security


Summary: Quadrennial National Security Review Act - Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to direct the President, every four years, to: (1) conduct a quadrennial national security review (QNSR) to set forth the long- and short-term security goals of the United States; and (2) report review results to Congress. Establishes the QNSR Advisory Commission to assess such reports and the national security budget. Directs the President to submit a national security strategy report at the same time that each QNSR is submitted.

quadrennial national security review act_-_amends national security act direct president years conduct quadrennial national security review set forth short term security goals united_states report review results congress establishes advisory commission assess reports national security budget directs president submit national security strategy report time submitted


Summary: 9/11 Can You Hear Me Now Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to procure development and provision of a communications system for the New York City Fire Department, including appropriate radios and upgrades to the Department's critical information dispatch system that allow communication in all locations and under all conditions in which firefighters can reasonably be expected to work, including all high-rise buildings and subways. Directs that any communications system procured include provision to each firefighter of a supplemental radio communication device that: (1) allows the firefighter to transmit emergency notification warning signals to other firefighters; and (2) has the capability to operate automatically by transmitting messages that will relay an incapacitated firefighter's identification and location. Requires that upgrades procured: (1) provide useful, detailed data concerning all likely terrorist target locations in the city; and (2) be capable of providing to responding firefighters, instantaneously, details about particular buildings and other locations to assist in making decisions about how to mitigate a terrorist attack. Requires that: (1) radios, any dispatch system upgrades, and supplemental communication devices procured be tested; and (2) the Secretary coordinate with the city to ensure that the communications system procured is compatible with city plans to upgrade its 911 system and interoperable with other public safety communications systems.

hear act_-_directs secretary homeland_security procure development provision communications system new_york_city fire department including appropriate upgrades department critical information dispatch system allow communication locations conditions firefighters reasonably expected work including high rise buildings directs communications system procured include provision firefighter supplemental radio communication device allows firefighter transmit emergency notification warning signals firefighters capability operate automatically transmitting messages relay incapacitated firefighter identification location requires upgrades procured provide useful detailed data concerning likely terrorist target locations city capable providing responding firefighters details particular buildings locations assist making decisions mitigate terrorist attack requires dispatch system upgrades supplemental communication devices procured tested secretary coordinate city ensure communications system procured compatible city plans upgrade system interoperable public safety communications systems


Summary: National Urban Search and Rescue Response System Act of 2007 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to codify provisions establishing in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System, under which the Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide for a national network of standardized search and rescue resources to assist state and local governments in responding to structural collapses resulting from terrorist acts and other incidents.Directs the Secretary to: (1) select and designate task forces to participate in the System and determine criteria for participation; (2) enter into an agreement with the sponsoring agency of each task force regarding participation; and (3) maintain such management and technical teams as the Secretary deems necessary. Authorizes a task force to include states, local governments, private nonprofit organizations, and for-profit entities.Directs the Secretary (subject to specified limitations) to enter into, with each sponsoring agency: (1) an annual preparedness cooperative agreement; and (2) a response cooperative agreement, under which the Secretary agrees to reimburse agency costs incurred in responding to incidents.Authorizes the Secretary to appoint a System member for sponsored or sanctioned exercises, pre-incident staging, or major disaster, emergency response, or training events. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) appointment into federal service, including employment status, compensation, treatment as an employee in the event of personal injury, illness, disability, or death, liability, and employment and re-employment rights; and (2) licenses and permits. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain an advisory subcommittee of the National Advisory Council.

national urban search rescue response system act amends homeland_security act codify provisions establishing department_of_homeland_security dhs national urban search rescue response system secretary homeland_security shall provide national network standardized search rescue resources assist state local governments responding structural resulting terrorist acts incidents directs secretary select designate task forces participate system determine criteria participation enter agreement sponsoring agency task_force participation maintain management technical teams secretary deems necessary authorizes task_force include states local governments private nonprofit organizations profit entities directs secretary subject specified limitations enter sponsoring agency annual preparedness cooperative agreement response cooperative agreement secretary agrees reimburse agency costs incurred responding incidents authorizes secretary appoint system member sponsored sanctioned exercises pre incident major disaster emergency response training events sets forth provisions appointment federal service including employment status compensation treatment employee event personal injury illness disability death liability employment employment rights licenses permits directs secretary establish maintain advisory subcommittee national_advisory_council


Summary: Homeland Security Technology Advancement Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to extend (for five additional years) specified authority of the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to carry out certain basic, applied, and advanced research and development projects and prototype projects.Directs the Under Secretary for Science and Technology to: (1) make available to any person or entity, for an appropriate fee, the services of any DHS owned and operated center or other facility for the testing of materials, equipment, models, computer software, and other items designed to advance the homeland security mission; and (2) ensure that the testing of materiel not owned by the government shall not cause government resources to be diverted from scheduled tests of government materiel or otherwise interfere with government mission requirements. Prohibits: (1) the disclosure outside the federal government of the test results and associated data that are trade secrets or privileged or confidential commercial or financial information without the consent of the person or entity for whom the tests are performed; and (2) fees from exceeding the amount necessary to recoup the costs involved. Directs the Under Secretary to submit to Congress: (1) a report detailing a plan for operating such program; and (2) an annual report on the facilities that have collected fees, the partnerships formed, and the testing conducted.Directs the Comptroller General to submit to Congress an assessment of such program.

homeland_security technology advancement act_-_amends homeland_security act extend additional years specified authority secretary department_of_homeland_security dhs carry certain basic applied advanced research development projects prototype projects directs secretary science_and_technology available person entity appropriate fee services dhs owned operated center facility testing materials equipment models computer software items designed advance homeland_security mission ensure testing materiel owned government shall cause government resources diverted scheduled tests government materiel interfere government mission requirements prohibits disclosure outside federal_government test results associated data trade secrets privileged confidential commercial financial information consent person entity tests performed fees exceeding necessary recoup costs involved directs secretary submit congress report detailing plan operating program annual report facilities collected fees partnerships formed testing conducted directs comptroller_general submit congress assessment program


Summary: Amends the federal criminal code to assign a new section number (555 instead of 554) to the provision prohibiting the construction of border tunnels and passages into the United States.

amends federal criminal code assign new section number instead provision prohibiting construction border tunnels united_states


Summary: Student Visa Security Improvement Act - Amends the the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide for enhanced student visa background checks and monitoring of foreign students and exchange visitors in the United States.

student visa security improvement act_-_amends homeland_security act provide enhanced student visa background checks monitoring foreign students exchange visitors united_states


Summary: National Bombing Prevention Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish within the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Protective Security Coordination Division of the Office of Infrastructure Protection an Office for Bombing Prevention to enhance and coordinate U.S. efforts to deter, detect, prevent, protect against, and respond to terrorist explosive attacks in the United States.Directs the Office to: (1) serve as the lead agency of DHS for ensuring that programs designed to counter terrorist explosive attacks function together efficiently to meet the evolving threat from explosives and improvised explosive devices (IEDs); (2) promote secure information sharing of sensitive material and security awareness; (3) assist state, local, and tribal governments in developing multijurisdictional IED security plans for high risk jurisdictions; and (4) establish and execute a public awareness campaign to inform the general public and private sector businesses on ways they can deter, detect, prevent, protect against, and respond to terrorist explosive attacks.Authorizes appropriations.Directs the Secretary to partner with other federal, state, local, and tribal agencies, nonprofit organizations, universities, and the private sector to: (1) develop a pilot program that includes a domestic breeding program for explosives detection canines; (2) increase the number of capability assessments of explosives detection canine units; (3) continue development of a scientifically-based training curriculum to enhance consensus-based national training and certification standards to provide for the effective use of explosives detection canines; and (4) continue engagement in explosives detection canine research and development activities through partnerships with the Science and Technology Directorate and the Technical Support Working Group.Directs the Secretary to develop, periodically update, and report to Congress on a national strategy to prevent and prepare for terrorist explosive attacks in the United States. (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Science and Technology, to: (1) ensure coordination and information sharing regarding nonmilitary research, development, testing, and evaluation activities relating to the detection and prevention of, protection against, and response to terrorist attacks using explosives or IEDs and the development of tools and technologies to neutralize and disable explosive devices; (2) coordinate with the Secretary of Defense and other federal department heads to ensure that military policies, procedures, activities, tools, and technologies to prevent and respond to terrorist attacks are adapted to nonmilitary uses; (3) establish a technology transfer program to facilitate the identification, modification, and commercialization of technology and equipment for use by governmental agencies, emergency response providers, and the private sector against such attacks; and (4) establish a working group to advise and assist in the identification of military technologies developed by the Department of Defense (DOD) or the private sector to protect against and respond to explosive attacks. (Sec. 4) Amends the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 to direct the Comptroller General to utilize explosives detection canine teams of TSA and other DHS agencies to strengthen security and capacity.(Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to submit a report to specified congressional committees on the administration of canine procurement activities by DHS to deter, prevent, detect, and protect against terrorist explosive attacks in the United States that includes consideration of the feasibility of reducing the price paid for the procurement of untrained canines, including by utilizing an expanded pool of breeds, procuring canines from domestic breeders, and acquiring canines from animal shelters, rescue societies, and other not-for-profit entities.

national bombing prevention act sec amends homeland_security act direct secretary homeland_security establish department_of_homeland_security dhs protective security coordination division office infrastructure protection office bombing prevention enhance coordinate efforts deter detect prevent protect respond terrorist explosive attacks united_states directs office serve lead agency dhs ensuring programs designed counter terrorist explosive attacks function efficiently meet evolving threat explosives improvised explosive devices promote secure information sharing sensitive material security awareness assist state local tribal governments developing multijurisdictional security plans high risk jurisdictions establish execute public awareness campaign inform general public private sector businesses ways deter detect prevent protect respond terrorist explosive attacks authorizes appropriations directs secretary partner federal state local tribal agencies nonprofit organizations universities private sector develop pilot program includes domestic breeding program explosives detection increase number capability assessments explosives detection canine units continue development scientifically based training curriculum enhance consensus based national training certification standards provide effective use explosives detection continue engagement explosives detection canine research development activities partnerships science_and_technology directorate technical support working_group directs secretary develop periodically update report congress national strategy prevent prepare terrorist explosive attacks united_states sec directs secretary acting secretary science_and_technology ensure coordination information sharing nonmilitary research development testing evaluation activities relating detection prevention protection response terrorist attacks explosives development tools technologies disable explosive devices coordinate secretary defense federal department heads ensure military policies procedures activities tools technologies prevent respond terrorist attacks adapted nonmilitary uses establish technology transfer program facilitate identification modification commercialization technology equipment use governmental agencies emergency response providers private sector attacks establish working_group advise assist identification military technologies developed department_of_defense dod private sector protect respond explosive attacks sec amends implementing recommendations commission act direct comptroller_general utilize explosives detection canine teams tsa dhs agencies strengthen security directs secretary submit report specified congressional committees administration canine procurement activities dhs deter prevent detect protect terrorist explosive attacks united_states includes consideration feasibility reducing price paid procurement including utilizing expanded pool procuring domestic acquiring animal shelters rescue societies profit entities


Summary: Next Generation Radiation Screening Act of 2008 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require: (1) the Director of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office and the Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to enter into an agreement regarding the minimum required functionality for the deployment of Advanced Spectroscopic Portal monitors (ASP) by CBP; and (2) the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide Congress with the signed memorandum of understanding between the Office and CBP. Directs the Secretary to develop quantitative metrics that demonstrate any significant increased operational effectiveness of deploying ASP in primary and secondary screening sites. Requires such metrics to include: (1) a quantitative definition of "significant increase in operational effectiveness"; (2) all relevant threat materials; (3) all relevant masking scenarios; and (4) cost-benefit analysis in accordance with the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.Permits the Secretary, in determining whether to certify that ASP shows a significant increase in operational effectiveness, to consider: (1) relevant reports on ASP from the Government Accountability Office (GAO); and (2) assessments of ASP by the Independent Review Team led by the Homeland Security Institute in consultation with the National Archives.Authorizes appropriations to the Director for FY2009 and for each subsequent fiscal year for the Securing the Cities Initiative.

generation radiation screening act amends homeland_security act require director domestic nuclear detection office commissioner customs border_protection cbp enter agreement minimum required functionality deployment advanced portal monitors cbp secretary homeland_security provide congress signed memorandum understanding office cbp directs secretary develop quantitative metrics demonstrate significant increased operational effectiveness deploying primary secondary screening sites requires metrics include quantitative definition significant increase operational effectiveness relevant threat materials relevant scenarios cost benefit analysis accordance federal accounting standards advisory_board generally accepted accounting principles permits secretary determining certify shows significant increase operational effectiveness consider relevant reports government_accountability_office gao assessments independent review team led homeland_security institute consultation national_archives authorizes appropriations director fy2009 subsequent fiscal year securing cities initiative


Summary: Chemical Facilities Security Act of 2008 - Extends and transfers provisions requiring the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish risk-based performance standards, require vulnerability assessments, and implement site plans for the security of chemical facilities from the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007 to the Homeland Security Act of 2002. Eliminates the condition that an actual conflict with such provisions would preempt related state or local regulatory authority.

chemical facilities security act extends transfers provisions requiring secretary homeland_security establish risk based performance standards require vulnerability assessments implement site plans security chemical facilities department_of_homeland_security appropriations act homeland_security act eliminates condition actual conflict provisions preempt related state local regulatory authority


Summary: Border Security Accountability Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to report every 90 days to the appropriate congressional committees respecting U.S. efforts to increase border security.

border_security accountability_act directs secretary homeland_security report days appropriate congressional committees respecting efforts increase border_security


Summary: Border Health Security Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary), acting through the U.S. members of the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission, to award grants to states, public institutions of higher education, local and tribal governments, nonprofit health organizations, or community health centers to improve border residents' health. Requires the Secretary to award grants to states, local or tribal governments, or public health entities for bioterrorism preparedness in the border area.Authorizes appropriations to carry out the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission Act.Allows the Secretary to coordinate with the Secretary of Homeland Security in establishing a health alert system that: (1) alerts clinicians and public health officials of emerging disease clusters and syndromes along the border area; and (2) is alerted to signs of health threats or bioterrorism along the border area.Requires the Secretary to enter into a contract with the Institute of Medicine for the study of binational public health infrastructure and health insurance efforts.Amends the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission Act to authorize any member or staff of the Commission to provide advice or recommendations to Congress concerning issues that are considered by the Commission.

border health security act requires secretary health_and_human_services secretary acting members united_states mexico border health commission award grants states public institutions higher education local tribal governments nonprofit health organizations community health centers improve border residents health requires secretary award grants states local tribal governments public health entities bioterrorism preparedness border area authorizes appropriations carry united_states mexico border health commission act allows secretary coordinate secretary homeland_security establishing health alert system alerts clinicians public health officials emerging disease clusters border area signs health threats bioterrorism border area requires secretary enter contract institute_of_medicine study binational public health infrastructure health insurance efforts amends united_states mexico border health commission act authorize member staff commission provide advice recommendations congress concerning issues considered commission


Summary: Radiological Materials Security Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to enhance domestic preparedness for and collective response to terrorism by conducting a risk assessment regarding the threat of, vulnerability to, and consequences of theft or other procurement of radiological materials that could be used by a terrorist in a radiological dispersion device.Requires the Secretary to: (1) disseminate the findings of, and specific risk information developed in, the assessment to participants in the radiological sources security system; (2) develop a classification system for information regarding radiological materials and classify the assessment under such system; (3) share the assessment with participants with appropriate clearances; (4) develop a terrorism risk self-assessment tool for facilities to ascertain risk and provide it to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which shall disseminate it to system facilities; (5) issue recommended practices for securing high-risk radiological materials; and (6) make available infrastructure protection grants to owners and operators of facilities with approved facility security plans.Directs the NRC to: (1) update, promulgate, and enforce regulations for the security of radiological materials; (2) maintain and update a nuclear materials events database and a database to track regulated radiological materials and orphaned, lost, or stolen radiological materials; and (3) issue regulations requiring the owner or operator of a facility containing high-risk radiological material to create, submit to the NRC and certain states, and implement facility security plans to address vulnerabilities.Directs the Secretary of Energy to provide technical assistance for securing high-risk radiological materials to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the NRC, state and local authorities, and participating facilities.

radiological materials security act_-_amends homeland_security act direct secretary homeland_security enhance domestic preparedness collective response terrorism conducting risk assessment threat vulnerability consequences theft procurement radiological materials terrorist radiological device requires secretary disseminate findings specific risk information developed assessment participants radiological sources security system develop classification system information radiological materials classify assessment system share assessment participants appropriate clearances develop terrorism risk self assessment tool facilities ascertain risk provide nuclear_regulatory_commission nrc shall disseminate system facilities issue recommended practices securing high risk radiological materials available infrastructure protection grants owners operators facilities approved facility security plans directs nrc update promulgate enforce regulations security radiological materials maintain update nuclear materials events database database track regulated radiological materials orphaned lost stolen radiological materials issue regulations requiring owner operator facility containing high risk radiological material create submit nrc certain states implement facility security plans address vulnerabilities directs secretary energy provide technical assistance securing high risk radiological materials department_of_homeland_security dhs nrc state local authorities participating facilities


Summary: Schools Empowered to Respond Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish within the Office of the Secretary of Homeland Security an Office of National School Preparedness and Response. Gives the Director of that office primary responsibility within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the support of statewide, regional, and national efforts to enhance the collective response to acts of terrorism and other disasters at schools, including by: (1) serving as the principal advisor to the Secretary on the needs of schools and children in response to emergency situations; (2) ensuring that DHS policies, programs, and activities appropriately consider the needs of and impact upon schools and children; (3) creating an Internet clearinghouse that identifies resources available to schools; and (4) ensuring that education officials have input with the Government Coordinating Council.Permits the use of funds under the Urban Area Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant Program to enhance school preparedness.Directs the Secretary to condition the receipt of grants on a state including in each state homeland security decision-making body that has authority to determine how grants will be used a representative selected by the state education authority who has an understanding of the emergency planning needs of local schools. Expresses the sense of Congress: (1) promoting the adoption of voluntary national standards in schools to prepare for and enable a collective response to acts of terrorism and other disasters; and (2) regarding what plans for responding should be included to ensure school participation in such collective response.

schools empowered respond act_-_amends homeland_security act establish office_of_the_secretary homeland_security office national school preparedness response gives director office primary responsibility department_of_homeland_security dhs support statewide regional national efforts enhance collective response acts terrorism disasters schools including serving principal advisor secretary needs schools children response emergency situations ensuring dhs policies programs activities appropriately consider needs impact schools children creating internet clearinghouse identifies resources available schools ensuring education officials input government coordinating council permits use funds urban_area_security_initiative state_homeland_security_grant_program enhance school preparedness directs secretary condition receipt grants state including state homeland_security decision making body authority determine grants representative selected state education authority understanding emergency planning needs local schools expresses sense congress promoting adoption voluntary national standards schools prepare enable collective response acts terrorism disasters plans responding included ensure school participation collective response


Summary: Screening Applied Fairly and Equitably to Truckers Act of 2008, or the SAFE Truckers Act of 2008 - Amends the Homeland Security Act 2002 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) designate security sensitive material; and (2) prohibit an individual from operating a motor vehicle in commerce while transporting such material, unless the operator of the motor vehicle holds a transportation security card issued by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to prohibit a person (shipper) from offering a security sensitive material for transportation by motor vehicle, or causing the transportation of such material by motor vehicle, unless the operator of the motor vehicle holds a transportation security card. Sets forth both civil and criminal penalties for persons who violate the requirements of this Act. Prohibits a motor vehicle registered in Mexico or Canada from transporting security sensitive material in U.S. commerce until the operator of the motor vehicle has undergone a background records check similar to that required for U.S. commercial motor vehicle operators licensed to transport security sensitive materials in U.S. commerce. Requires the Secretary to conduct periodically a named-based background check against the U.S. integrated terrorism watch list of all individuals licensed to operate a motor vehicle to transport a hazardous material in commerce. Establishes task forces on: (1) highway security; and (2) crimes disqualifying individuals from certain transportation-related employment.

screening applied fairly equitably truckers act safe truckers act amends homeland_security act require secretary homeland_security designate security sensitive material prohibit individual operating motor vehicle commerce transporting material operator motor vehicle holds transportation security card issued secretary directs secretary prohibit person shipper offering security sensitive material transportation motor vehicle causing transportation material motor vehicle operator motor vehicle holds transportation security card sets forth civil criminal penalties persons violate requirements act prohibits motor vehicle registered mexico canada transporting security sensitive material commerce operator motor vehicle undergone background records check similar required commercial motor vehicle operators licensed transport security sensitive materials commerce requires secretary conduct periodically named based background check integrated terrorism watch list individuals licensed operate motor vehicle transport hazardous material commerce establishes task forces highway security crimes disqualifying individuals certain transportation related employment


Summary: Commission on Securing the United States in the 21st Century Act of 2008 - Establishes the Commission on Securing the United States in the 21st Century which shall review the next 20 years' global security environment to identify U.S. strategic interests and develop an appropriate national security strategy. Terminates the Commission 60 days after submission of a final report required under this Act.

commission securing united_states 21st century act establishes_the_commission securing united_states 21st century shall review years global security environment identify strategic interests develop appropriate national security strategy terminates commission days submission final report required act