Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of passage of H.R. 2825, the Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act of 2017, of which I am honored to be an original cosponsor.

The threats facing American families are real and rapidly evolving.

Since the original authorization 15 years ago, DHS has never been reauthorized, leading to inefficiencies and a lack of congressional oversight.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman McCaul and his staff for their work on making the reauthorization package a reality. National security is an issue that affects every man, woman, child, Republican, and Democrat in our Nation. This bill will go a long way to ensuring that DHS remains mission ready to continue protecting our homeland.

This legislation accomplishes several key things: It creates efficiencies that protect the people's treasure and holds programs accountable; It offers congressional guidance for agencies within DHS such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to bolster our Nation's response to illegal immigration; and Supports the boots-on-the-ground and frontline defenders with much- needed resources.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

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