Dhs Joint Task Forces Reauthorization Act of 2024

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we are considering the DHS Joint Task Force Reauthorization Act of 2024.

Right now, DHS operates one joint task force in the southeastern U.S. and Caribbean called Joint Task Force East. Every day, Joint Task Force East combines the efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, and other agencies to share intelligence and counter bad actors who may bring negative elements to our Nation.

This joint task force also works hand in hand with the Department of Defense and our international partners. We must ensure that they continue to detect and dismantle cartels across the world.

Just this calendar year alone, coalition efforts under Joint Task Force East have resulted in the interdiction of hundreds of migrants, over 55,000 kilos of illicit cocaine valued at almost $2 billion, illegally harvested fish valued at over $900,000, over 350 illegal firearms, and over 26,000 rounds of ammunition.

Again, that is nearly $2 billion worth of illegal narcotics that have been kept off our American streets and over 350 guns not going into the hands of cartels or gang members around the world.

For the joint task force's work to continue, we need to reauthorize the joint task force authority. At the same time, Congress needs more information on the resources the joint task force needs to be successful.

This bill reauthorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security's ability to create and use joint task forces while also requiring DHS to set up a staffing plan and share that information with Congress.

With this legislation, we can support the men and women working to protect the homeland and give them the resources that they need to do their job of keeping the American people safe.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

In closing, I thank my colleagues Mr. Higgins from Louisiana and Mr. Suozzi from New York for leading this bill in this House, and my colleagues from both sides of the aisle on Homeland Security for their support. I would also like to thank Senator Peters for leading this bill in the Senate.

During my own travels this year, I saw the great work that Joint Task Force East conducts on a day-to-day basis. This reauthorization makes sure that their good work continues.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support S. 4698, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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