Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Extension Act of 2023

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we are here today to consider H.R. 3224, the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Extension Act of 2023. I commend my Republican colleague from New York for introducing this legislation.

The CWMD Office within the Department of Homeland Security plays a pivotal role in safeguarding our Nation's security by addressing the threat of weapons capable of causing harm to our communities and infrastructure.

CWMD improves our Nation's capability to plan for, detect, and guard against chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and health security threats, otherwise known as CBRN.

CWMD further enables CBRN detection programs, training, and other capabilities for State, local, Tribal, and territorial partners and provides ground support for national special security events such as Presidential inaugurations and major sporting events.

Without the support of dedicated DHS components like CWMD, terrorists could exploit the absence of comprehensive measures. It could leave the Nation vulnerable to catastrophic attacks with the potential for widespread harm, loss of life, and severe disruption to national security and public safety.

CWMD operates important programs such as Securing the Cities, which provides 14 local governments across the country with detection equipment, training, exercise support, operational and technical subject matter expertise, and programmatic support.

When CWMD was authorized in 2018, Congress included a sunset for December 21, 2023, with the idea that we could closely monitor the progress of the office. The last continuing resolution extended CWMD through February 2, 2024, but the office needs a longer extension to ensure that its programs and staff have continuity.

With the sunset quickly approaching, the Committee on Homeland Security has worked in a bipartisan fashion to extend CWMD by 2 years with H.R. 3224.

This bipartisan bill will also provide a report to Congress regarding a CWMD employee engagement action plan and strategy to improve morale within the office, which is important given that there have been significant workforce and morale issues. CWMD is consistently ranked low in morale, according to a survey done by the Best Places to Work in the Federal Government.

The bill further requires the Government Accountability Office to brief Congress regarding CWMD and how it is carrying out its mission. While Congress will continue to provide oversight of CWMD and, in the future, provide a permanent authorization for the office, passage of H.R. 3224 is a positive step.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3224 is crucial for sustaining our Nation's capabilities to counter chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.

The expertise provided by CWMD is essential in the fight against weapons of mass destruction.

Passage of this legislation is vital to maintaining our preparedness and ensuring the security of the Nation against the evolving challenges posed by bad actors.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my House colleagues to support H.R. 3224, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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