Should Homeland Security Produce a Report With Training Opportunities for State, Local & Tribal Law Enforcement? (H.R. 449)

What is H.R. 449?

(Updated June 4, 2019)

This bill would require the Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) Office for State and Local Law Enforcement (OSLLE) to continue producing and disseminating an annual catalog of training opportunities, programs, and services available to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies.

Argument in favor

State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies don’t have time to scour the Homeland Security website for training programs, and rely upon the report as a comprehensive list of programs. This bill ensures that Homeland Security keeps producing the report.

Argument opposed

Homeland Security has been producing the report this bill would mandate of its own volition for a number of years. As long as Homeland Security and the local law enforcement agencies continue to find it useful, the report would continue to be produced.

Impact

State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies; training opportunities for law enforcement; and DHS.

Cost of H.R. 449

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Rep. Val Demings (D-FL) reintroduced this bill from the 115th Congress to require DHS to continue producing an annual catalog of training resources for state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies. Speaking in favor of this bill on the House floor in the previous Congress, Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) said:

“[T]he Pathways to Improving Homeland Security at the Local Level Act, sponsored by the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Demings), ensures that State and local law enforcement will continue to receive valuable information on DHS resources and programs available to law enforcement… This bill is a commonsense measure focused on increasing transparency on DHS tools and resources available to State and local law enforcement.”

In the previous Congress, Rep. Nanette Barragán (D-CA)added that DHS’ training catalog is an important resources for counterterrorism and preparedness:

“[T]he Department of Homeland Security's training catalog is a primary resource for State and local jurisdictions to find opportunities to enhance their counterterrorism and preparedness capabilities. [This bill] seeks to ensure that, going forward, this vital resource remains available to the first responder community… Enactment of this bill will further strengthen the Department's partnership with State and local law enforcement to help protect the homeland. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2427 is an important piece of legislation that has strong support on both sides of the aisle. Consideration of this measure today is particularly timely, as this week we remember those who sacrificed their lives and ran toward danger during the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil. We owe it to their memory and to the men and women that today stand on the front lines to ensure that they have access to the training and tools they need to keep their communities secure.”

This bill has no cosponsors in the current Congress. In the previous Congress, it passed the House by voice vote without any cosponsors.

Of Note: DHS OSLLE has been producing the catalog this bill would require it to continue producing for a number of years. The report, which has been well-received by state and local communities, has not been statutorily required in the past.

Media:

• Homeland Security Committee Republicans (115th Congress)

• Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) Floor Remarks (In Favor, Previous Congress)

• Rep. Nanette Barragán (D-CA) Floor Remarks (In Favor, Previous Congress)

• Countable (115th Congress)