Rep. Mark Amodei
U.S. Rep. Mark Amodei (R-NV), chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee, on Tuesday led the subcommittee’s markup and passage of the Homeland Security appropriations plan for fiscal year 2025.
“The top priority of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is to protect the American people,” Rep. Amodei said on June 4. “As members of this subcommittee, our job is to make sure the hardworking men and women of DHS have the resources necessary to keep our country safe and secure.”
In addition to investments in border security and immigration enforcement, the congressman said that the bill addresses the needs of agencies including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Transportation Security Administration.
If enacted, the measure would provide $2.9 billion more than the FY 2024 funding level, including a record $300 million for border security technology.
“What’s happening at our southern border is dangerous, inhumane, and untenable, and this bill invests in a bottom-up approach to protect our nation and address the ongoing crisis at our southern border,” said Rep. Amodei.
Additionally, the bill would secure more than $3 billion to fund a detention bed level of 50,000, which is 16,000 above President Biden’s request, invest $305 million in fentanyl detection equipment at America’s ports of entry, and allocate $22.7 billion for major disaster response and recovery, among numerous other provisions, according to a bill summary provided by the congressman’s office.
“It’s imperative we strengthen and maintain America’s national security posture, especially with the ongoing policy disasters of the Biden administration. In addition to physically securing our homeland, we must make investments in our emergency safeguards,” Rep. Amodei said.
The lawmaker also pointed out that the risk landscape has rapidly changed over the past decade, requiring that the U.S. protect and secure its critical infrastructure from cyber and all-hazard threats.
“Essential systems like energy grids, water systems, transportation networks, and communication systems are vital for public safety, economic stability, and national security,” he said.
Prior to the subcommittee’s approval of the bill, U.S. House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) pointed out that the bill also supports the brave men and women who help safeguard the nation and bolsters port, maritime, aviation, and cyber security.
“Chairman Amodei ensured every taxpayer dollar is directed to protect our communities and secure our borders,” said Rep. Cole.
“I look forward to getting this bill across the finish line and thank Chairman Cole for his leadership,” said Rep. Amodei.
The bill now heads to the full House Appropriations Committee for consideration.