Introduction of the Securing Department of Homeland Security Firearms Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, regrettably, there have been too many instances in which Department of Homeland Security officers have misplaced or lost their Department-issued firearms due to a failure to properly secure such sensitive assets.

In October 2017, the DHS Office of Inspector General found that 2,142 sensitive assets--including 228 firearms and 1,889 badges--were misplaced between fiscal years 2014 and 2016. Most of these losses were due to DHS personnel who did not properly safeguard such sensitive assets. The Office of Inspector General identified the lack of a Department-wide firearm policy as a major reason why sensitive assets were not secured.

Therefore, I am introducing the Securing Department of Homeland Security Firearms Act, which improves the accountability of DHS-issued firearms and other sensitive assets. Specifically, the bill directs DHS to develop and distribute a Department-wide directive for achieving adequate security over firearms and other sensitive assets. That directive must include reporting and recordkeeping requirements for lost assets. Additionally, the bill requires that DHS provide officers with training and guidance on how to follow safeguarding requirements and how to properly report the loss or theft of a firearm.

Due to its mission, DHS has a variety of highly sensitive equipment. Failure to safeguard those assets can have grave consequences for public safety and homeland security. This measure will foster greater accountability and security within DHS.

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