The U.S. House of Representatives on Monday voted 394-2 to approve bipartisan legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY) to reform overseas operations at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
“It is crucial DHS modernizes as it continues to carry out important security operations,” Rep. Katko said following the June 10 vote.
Rep. Katko introduced the DHS Overseas Personnel Enhancement Act of 2019, H.R. 2590, on May 8 with cosponsor U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) to require a DHS overseas personnel enhancement plan, according to the text of the bill.
If enacted, H.R. 2590 also would task DHS with developing and implementing a strategy for improving counterterrorism operations overseas.
Additionally, DHS would be required to provide regular briefings to Congress on deployment and operations of DHS personnel overseas.
“My legislation enables Congress to evaluate the primary functions of DHS employees located throughout the world and to assess overseas strategy,” said Rep. Katko. “I am confident this policy will improve the ability of DHS to mitigate foreign terror threats to our nation and keep Americans safe.”
H.R. 2590 was received on June 11 in the U.S. Senate and has been referred to the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for consideration.