DHS Science and Technology Reform and Improvement Act of 2015
Floor Speech
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. RATCLIFFE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3578, the DHS Science and Technology Reform and Improvement Act of 2015, makes targeted adjustments and strategic improvements to the ways in which the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate, or DHS S&T, carries out its responsibility to conduct research and development. These strategic improvements will strengthen the Directorate and address some of its well-documented challenges.
DHS S&T monitors the Nation's evolving threats and makes use of technological advancements to develop and deliver solutions to meet the critical needs of the DHS components.
The legislation we are considering today provides a clear mission statement for the Directorate and it codifies S&T's portfolio review process. This process engages key leadership and stakeholders to ensure that research and development meets the Directorate and Department goals.
Amendments considered at both the subcommittee and full committee further strengthen this legislation, including Mr. Richmond's amendment to codify integrated product teams, a mechanism that will support the Directorate's ability to identify, coordinate, and align research and development efforts with departmental missions.
H.R. 3578 also ensures that the Directorate identifies technical capability requirements and creates solutions with researchers and the private sector. It also bolsters S&T's role as coordinator of research and development across the Department.
This bill requires additional transparency by requiring S&T to link its budget with mission areas and programs.
Cybersecurity research and development is essential to support DHS' efforts to secure the dot-gov domain. The seriousness of this mission received heightened awareness after the OPM breach compromised the highly sensitive and personal information of over 20 million Americans.
H.R. 3578 bolsters S&T's cybersecurity research and development by ensuring sector specific agencies for critical infrastructure are included in the coordination of cybersecurity research and development and by codifying the Transition to Practice program to support the lifecycle of cyber projects, including research, development, testing, evaluation, and transition.
S&T is the primary research arm of the Department, managing the basic and applied research and development of science and technology for DHS' operational components. S&T's work includes supporting research and development for technologies to benefit first responders, the Nation's border and maritime security, cybersecurity, and chemical and biological defenses.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from Texas, Chairman Smith, of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee for his support in moving this legislation forward.
Mr. Speaker, this legislation would strengthen the important role and work of the Directorate to meet both the scientific and technological security needs of our Nation.
I urge all Members to join me in supporting this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. RATCLIFFE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I thank the gentlewoman for her support and leadership in connection with this bill. I would also like to thank Chairman McCaul and Ranking Member Thompson for their leadership in moving this important bill forward.
Mr. Speaker, threats in technologies are always changing. This bill will help DHS S&T find strategic and focused technology options and innovative solutions to address homeland security capability gaps and threats to our homeland.
I, once again, urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 3578, and I yield back the balance of my time.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Source