Replies

National Homeland Security Agency Act (Introduced in the House)

HR 1158 IH

107th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1158
To establish the National Homeland Security Agency.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 21, 2001
Mr. THORNBERRY introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Government Reform

A BILL
To establish the National Homeland Security Agency. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the `National Homeland Security Agency Act'.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The security of the United States homeland from nontraditional and emerging threats must be a primary national security mission of the United States Government. Attacks against United States citizens on United States soil, possibly causing heavy casualties, are likely during the next quarter century, as both the technical means for carrying out such attacks, and the array of actors who might use such means, are proliferating despite the best efforts of United States diplomacy.
(2) Attacks on United States soil may involve weapons of mass destruction and weapons of mass disruption. As porous as United States physical borders are in an age of burgeoning trade and travel, its cyber borders are even more vulnerable, and the critical infrastructure upon which so much of the United States economy depends can now be targeted by governments as well as individuals. The preeminence of the United States makes it more appealing as a target, while its openness and freedoms make it more vulnerable.
(3) Despite the serious threat to homeland security , the United States Government has not yet adopted homeland security as a primary national security mission. Its structures and strategies are fragmented and inadequate. The assets and organizations that now exist for homeland security are scattered across more than two dozen departments and agencies, and all 50 States.
(4) Guaranteeing that homeland security is achieved within a framework of law that protects the civil liberties and privacy of United States citizens is essential. The United States Government must improve national security without compromising established constitutional principles.
(5) A comprehensive strategy and new organizational structures to prevent and protect against attacks on the United States homeland , and to respond to such attacks if prevention and protection should fail, are urgently needed. (6) Through the National Homeland Security Agency, the United States Government will improve the planning and coordination of Federal support to State and local agencies to rationalize the allocation of resources, enhance readiness in order to prevent attacks, and facilitate recovery if prevention fails.

SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL HOMELAND SECURITY AGENCY.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT- There is established a National Homeland Security Agency (hereinafter in this Act referred to as the `Agency').
(b) DIRECTOR- There shall be at the head of the Agency a Director, who shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Director shall be compensated at the rate provided for level I of the Executive Schedule under section 5312 of title 5, United States Code. The Director shall serve as an advisor to the National Security Council.
(c) DUTIES- The duties of the Director shall be the following:
(1) To plan, coordinate, and integrate those United States Government activities relating to homeland security , including border security and emergency preparedness, and to act as a focal point regarding natural and manmade crises and emergency planning.
(2) To work with State and local governments and executive agencies in protecting United States homeland security , and to support State officials through the use of regional offices around the country.
(3) To provide overall planning guidance to executive agencies regarding United States homeland security .
(4) To conduct exercise and training programs for employees of the Agency and establish effective command and control procedures for the full range of potential contingencies regarding United States homeland security , including contingencies that require the substantial support of military assets.
(5) To annually develop a Federal response plan for homeland security and emergency preparedness.
SEC. 4. TRANSFER OF AUTHORITIES, FUNCTIONS, PERSONNEL, AND ASSETS TO AGENCY.
The authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the following entities are hereby transferred to the Agency: (1) The Federal Emergency Management Agency, the ten regional offices of which shall be maintained and strengthened by the Agency.
(2) The United States Customs Service, which shall be maintained as a distinct entity within the Agency. (3) The Border Patrol of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, which shall be maintained as a distinct entity within the Agency.
(4) The United States Coast Guard, which shall be maintained as a distinct entity within the Agency.
(5) The Critical Infrastructure Assurance Office and the Institute of Information Infrastructure Protection of the Department of Commerce.
(6) The National Infrastructure Protection Center and the National Domestic Preparedness Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
SEC. 5. ESTABLISHMENT OF DIRECTORATES AND OFFICE.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF DIRECTORATES- The following staff directorates are hereby established within the Agency:
(1) DIRECTORATE OF PREVENTION- The Directorate of Prevention, which shall be responsible for the following:
(A) Overseeing and coordinating all United States border security activities.
(B) Developing border and maritime security policy for the United States.
(C) Developing and implementing international standards for enhanced security in transportation nodes.