Legislative Activity
Secretary of Homeland Security
After Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano’s announcement last week that she will be stepping down from her position, it remains unclear who will be chosen to replace her as the head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Several names have been mentioned in connection with a possible nomination, including New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, Acting DHS Deputy Secretary and Director of the National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) Rand Beers, and former Coast Guard Commandant Thad Allen.
Homeland Security Appropriations
Last week, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved its FY 2014 Homeland Security appropriations bill, which would provide $46.4 billion in total for DHS and its related programs. The Senate and House discretionary funding levels in their respective Homeland Security appropriations measures are only $200 million apart, unlike many other FY 2014 appropriations bills, which have seen major differences in overall funding levels. The Senate bill would provide $7.4 billion for the Transportation Security Administration, $12.4 billion for Customs and Border Protection, and $5.4 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The bill also includes an increase in funding for the NPPD’s Infrastructure Protection and Information Security Program, providing $803.8 million for FY 2014. The Senate has not announced when it plans to take up its FY 2014 Homeland Security appropriations bill on the floor.
This Week’s Hearings:
- Tuesday, July 23: At 10:00 am, the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security will hold a hearing titled, “A Study in Contrasts: House and Senate Approaches to Border Security.”
- Thursday, July 25: At 11:00 am, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee will hold a confirmation hearing for Alejandro Mayorkas to be Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security.
