Committee Oversight Plan

OVERSIGHT PLAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
113TH CONGRESS

Clause 2(d), Rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives for the 113th Congress requires each standing Committee to adopt an oversight plan for the two-year period of the Congress and to submit the plan to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform and House Administration not later than February 15th of the first session of the Congress.

This is the oversight plan for the Committee on Homeland Security for the 113th Congress. It includes the areas in which the Committee expects to conduct oversight during the 113th Congress, but does not preclude oversight or investigation of additional matters as needs arise. The Full Committee will examine the following four key priorities, among other issues.

PREVENTING A TERRORIST ATTACK ON THE HOMELAND

Our enemies continuously plot to harm Americans. As we saw warning signs prior to the 9/11 attacks including the bombings of our embassies in Africa and attack on the USS Cole, we are experiencing events today, which should cause concern. The Arab spring has brought some welcome changes to the Middle East. However, the region has also witnessed some dangerous warning signs, such as the assassination of our US Ambassador in Benghazi along with three other Americans. We now see radical and dangerous groups achieving political prominence in the Middle East. This is a dangerous time for our nation and we cannot become complacent about the threats against us.
During the 113th Congress, the Committee will examine the persisting threats to Americans and American interests from Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and new and emerging threats such as Iran and Hezbollah in the Western hemisphere. The Committee will assess the various vulnerabilities of our nation’s systems and mechanisms that dangerous people and entities aspire to exploit, such as our aviation and other transit systems, our cyber networks, and critical infrastructure control systems. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has the responsibility to protect Americans from these dangers and the Committee intends to examine the Department’s relevant strategies and capabilities.

The Committee will also continue to evaluate the Obama Administration’s policy concerning the Detention Center at the US Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. This oversight will include a review of the Secretary of Homeland Security’s role as a member of the President’s Guantanamo Detention Task Force, as outlined in Executive Order 13492. Furthermore, the examination will include a review of the potential risk of holding high-value detainees, such as Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and other co-conspirators of the attacks of September 11th on domestic soil; the risk of inadvertent disclosure of sensitive information during the trial; and the recommendations delivered by the Department as part of the Guantanamo Review Task Force.

SECURING OUR BORDERS

During the 113th Congress, the Committee will continue to examine the Department’s efforts to secure land and maritime borders of the United States. The Committee will assess programs and technologies used to secure U.S. land borders on the north and the south, as well as the Caribbean region. The Committee will also examine how the Department is leveraging defense technologies to effectively secure the borders and how best to utilize equipment coming re-deployed from Iraq and Afghanistan. The Committee will continue to monitor the threat of spill-over violence stemming from the rise of drug cartels and the violent conflict throughout Mexico.

PROTECTING AGAINST CYBER ATTACKS

In the 113th Congress, the Committee will examine the Department’s role in hardening our national critical infrastructure against cyber attacks by fortifying Federal and civilian networks and collaborating with the private sector to reduce vulnerabilities. The Committee will review the integration of the various cyber missions carried out across the Federal government and will monitor the Department’s role in fulfilling its goals in order to prevent a catastrophic cyber attack. The Committee will ensure that the Department facilitates the improved security of our Nation’s critical infrastructure while earning and building on the trust of the owners and operators of that infrastructure.

MANAGING DHS WITH A BUSINESS-MODEL APPROACH

In the 113th Congress, the Committee will oversee the Department of Homeland Security’s management and operations to ensure that it is functioning in the most efficient manner possible and accountable to the American people. The Committee will work to identify potential opportunities to leverage proven private sector best practices, find efficiencies that will contribute to the Department’s ability to meet its vital missions, and identify areas for cost savings. The Committee intends to conduct oversight and ensure better business practices in areas, such as acquisition, financial management, information technology, and employee morale.

SUBCOMMITTEE ON COUNTERTERRORISM AND INTELLIGENCE
COUNTERTERRORISM

The security of the American homeland is linked to international security as vulnerabilities in one part of the world can quickly become security threats in another. During the 113th Congress, the Committee will review the Department’s international counterterrorism activities. This review will include examining the roles, responsibilities, and resources devoted by the Department and its components to achieving United States goals to combat terrorism overseas.
The Committee will examine the counterterrorism policies of the US government, with a focus on the Department of Homeland Security. This examination will include an assessment of the worldwide threat against the US homeland from various groups, such as Al Qaeda core, Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), al Shahbab, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Boko Haram, and other emerging terrorist groups. The Committee will also examine Iran’s sponsorship of terrorism via its proxies, most notably Hezbollah, including expanding ties in the western hemisphere. This examination will include the extent to which the Department’s strategic planning efforts address these threats. The Committee will monitor the homeland security ramifications of potential military action against the illicit Iranian nuclear program and the geopolitical ramifications across the Middle East and North Africa. The Committee will also monitor issues related to homegrown terrorist threats, economic threats, and terrorist travel and financing issues.

COUNTERINTELLIGENCE

Throughout the 113th Congress, the Committee will track the development of the Department of Homeland Security Counterintelligence Program, to ensure it is fully meeting the Department’s needs. DHS’s counterintelligence efforts are intended to prevent adversaries from penetrating the Department to exploit sensitive information, operations, programs, personnel, and resources.

UNCONVENTIONAL AND EMERGING THREATS

In the 113th Congress, the Committee will examine the capabilities and efforts of the Department to identify, prevent, deter, and respond to emerging future threats. For example, GPS navigation systems have a significant impact on the daily lives of most Americans but these systems are highly susceptible to being jammed and hijacked. These threats could disrupt civil aviation and emergency communications, attack global financial exchanges, and corrupt the energy grid. The Committee will monitor the extent to which the Department effectively coordinates and collaborates with other relevant US agencies to mitigate these threats to the homeland.

HOMELAND SECURITY INTELLIGENCE ENTERPRISE

During the 113th Congress, the Committee will conduct oversight of the Department of Homeland Security’s Intelligence Enterprise, including intelligence activities throughout the Department and component agencies. This will include a focus on the coordination and collaboration across intelligence offices and personnel within the Headquarters’ elements and component agencies. Additionally, the Committee will review efforts to build the intelligence, analytical, and assessment capabilities of the Department and to ensure its full participation in the Intelligence Community as part of its homeland security mission. This will include an examination of the hiring authorities, practices, and career-development of intelligence analysts and professionals within Headquarters elements and component agencies. The Committee will examine the Department’s role in managing, distributing, and otherwise using terrorist threat information in furtherance of its homeland security mission. The Committee will also examine national security clearance policies and processes within the Department.

INFORMATION SHARING

During the 113th Congress, the Committee will examine the progress being made to improve terrorist and homeland security information sharing efforts among Federal, state, and local governments, law enforcement entities, first responders, emergency management personnel, and the private sector. The Committee will examine the Department of Homeland Security’s efforts to coordinate information sharing efforts from across the Federal government to and from state and local fusion centers throughout the country. As part of this examination, the Committee will review the efficacy and efficiency of state and local fusion centers to determine their impact on securing the homeland.

SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER AND MARITIME SECURITY
BORDER SECURITY

During the 113th Congress, the Committee will continue to examine the Department’s efforts to secure land and maritime borders of the United States, including but not limited to personnel, technology, infrastructure, and coordination. The Committee will also assess the status of programs and international agreements to secure US land borders on the north and the south, as well as the Caribbean region, from illegal entry by persons or contraband. The Committee will monitor the extent to which the Department can measure its performance in securing the borders and how these measures reflect the state of border security.

The Committee will also examine the technologies used to secure the borders. Specifically, the Committee will conduct oversight of the Department’s acquisitions of border technologies, such as those used in the Arizona Border Surveillance Technology Plan, and examine the extent to which the Department is leveraging defense technologies, such as unmanned aerial systems, to effectively secure the borders. This oversight will also include the Department’s use of aerial assets in support of border security. The Committee will continue to monitor the threat of spill-over violence stemming from the rise of drug cartels and the violent conflict throughout Mexico. The Committee will also examine the Department’s efforts to identify, detain, prioritize, and remove criminal aliens from the United States, including those apprehended at or near US borders and ports of entry who are subject to deportation, particularly those from special interest countries.

BORDER SCREENING AND TERRORIST TRAVEL

In the 113th Congress, the Committee intends to review efforts to ensure the deployment and implementation of training and infrastructure enhancements to assist border and consular officials in identifying, intercepting, and disrupting terrorists or others who would do our Nation harm and who are attempting to enter or travel within the United States. The Committee will address security-related deficiencies in the immigration and naturalization process that terrorists could use to gain entry to or remain in the country for illegitimate purposes. These weaknesses have and will continue to be exploited by terrorists and those seeking to commit terrorist acts. The Committee intends to continue to explore challenges associated with visa security.

The Committee will also examine the integration, security, and reliability of criminal, immigration, and terrorist databases used to screen persons seeking to enter and exit this country, to include advanced passenger information and the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) program. The Committee will also assess the development of secure travel documents. In addition, the Committee will examine the integration and effectiveness of transportation and border security screening systems at ports of entry for detecting high-risk passengers and cargo transported within the United States and across our borders, including efforts to better facilitate travel and trade such as implementation of “trusted traveler” programs and the Beyond the Border Agreement. The Committee will also examine the Department’s security efforts between ports of entry and the extent to which it collaborates with other federal, state, and local agencies regarding border security.

PORT AND MARITIME SECURITY

In the 113th Congress, the Committee will examine various aspects of port and maritime security, including the security of port facilities; the screening of vessels, passengers, cargo, and crew for potential terrorists, terrorist weapons, and contraband; nuclear detection efforts; the development of international security standards for shipping and containers; and the implementation and operation, including technology utilized, of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential. The Committee also plans to review how the Department manages risk emerging from maritime threats and vulnerabilities such as small boats and semi-submersible submarines.

The Committee plans to review the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department’s supply chain security programs, such as the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and the Container Security Initiative (CSI), to ensure a proper balance between the facilitation of lawful trade and the security of the homeland. This will include an assessment of implementation of the Maritime and Transportation Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-295), the Security and Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-347), relevant provisions of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-458), and the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-53).

U.S. COAST GUARD

During the 113th Congress, the Committee plans to review the Coast Guard’s homeland security missions, to include ports, waterways, and coastal security; drug interdiction; migrant interdiction; law enforcement; and defense readiness. The Committee will examine Coast Guard afloat, aviation, and shore-based operations in support of these missions to ensure that the service is using a risk-based, layered strategy to enforce laws and keep America’s waters secure. This will include a specific assessment of the Coast Guard’s anti-terrorist capabilities, most notably those found within the Deployable Operations Group and its units, including Maritime Safety and Security Teams, Port Security Units, Tactical Law Enforcement Teams, and the Maritime Security Response Team.

The Committee will monitor the Coast Guard’s efforts to address threats from small vessels, issues from offshore oil rigs, and essential vulnerable vessels such as tankers.
Additionally, the Committee will review resource and asset needs within the Coast Guard to determine whether the service is operationally ready to address threats and emergencies while pursuing a long-term sustainable path of fleet recapitalization. The Committee will specifically examine the progress, efficiency, and efficacy of acquisitions programs to ensure major procurements remain on schedule without a reduction in readiness throughout the service.
Furthermore, the Committee will investigate the Coast Guard’s specific maritime security operations and initiatives, such as the International Port Security Program and the inspection of vessels originating from ports with inadequate anti-terrorism measures. The Committee will examine these and other programs to ensure that the service is developing a full sense of maritime domain awareness and executing all of its missions in the most effective manner possible to keep America secure.

SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
AVIATION SECURITY

In the 113th Congress, the Committee will examine the risks to the aviation system, as well as the development and implementation of security measures to reduce or mitigate such risks. The Committee’s oversight will review programs and procedures implemented by the Department of Homeland Security related to the security of all types of aircraft, including commercial passenger, air cargo, and general aviation aircraft. In addition, the Committee will examine airport perimeter and access controls and technology for limiting access to the secure areas of commercial and general aviation airports. The Committee will also examine the training and management of the Federal Air Marshal Service.

In addition, the Committee will examine the Department’s global strategy for securing the aviation system including its cooperation with foreign countries on security procedures and technologies and the harmonization of aviation security standards worldwide. The Committee will identify international best practices to aviation security that could result in efficiencies in the United States. The Committee also remains concerned about weaknesses in the Alien Flight Student program and will continue to monitor the Department’s progress in correcting these weaknesses. The Committee will continue to pursue options for strengthening the security process for US citizens enrolled in flight training.

PASSENGER AND BAGGAGE SCREENING

During the 113th Congress, the Committee will review TSA’s deployment of technology and implementation of procedures related to the screening of passengers in all modes of transportation and will examine TSA’s balancing security interests with the need for the efficient flow of travel, including privacy and civil liberties safeguards. The Committee will conduct oversight on the cost and effectiveness of technology related to the screening of baggage; transportation security information sharing within the Federal interagency process; and the effectiveness of the credentialing process. The Committee will also review TSA’s passenger search policies and pre-screening programs, including the screening of passengers against no-fly and selectee lists, the performance of the Secure Flight program, and other measures that affect the security of domestic and international air travelers.

REFORMING TRANSPORTATION SECURITY

In the 113th Congress, the Committee will examine additional options for the Department to allow the private sector more flexibility to innovate transportation security including the Screening Partnership Program. The Committee will explore the costs and benefits of these options. The Committee will continue to examine the extent to which a risk-based security approach can increase efficiencies in the TSA workforce without compromising security. This examination will include the effectiveness of the Department’s outreach to the public on its transportation security measures. The Committee will also monitor the progress of the Department to implement risk-based screening initiatives, such as TSA’s Pre-Check program, at airports nationwide to increase efficiencies in the screening process. This includes assessing the effectiveness of these initiatives.
The Committee will review the Department’s acquisition and procurement policies, practices, and procedures for screening technologies to ensure the efficient use of taxpayer dollars. The Committee will continue to seek input from independent groups outside the Department to help ensure a leaner, smarter, more efficient organization. In addition, the Committee will monitor the extent to which the Department enlists the private sector to modernize and, to the extent feasible, automate the passenger screening process to reduce invasive pat-downs; implements privacy software on all Advanced Imaging Technology machines; sponsors an independent analysis of the potential health impacts of AIT machines; and further validates the Screening of Passengers by Observation Techniques program and assesses the value added to aviation security.

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION

In the 113th Congress, the Committee will review the Transportation Security Administration’s efforts to secure surface transit systems, including the most at-risk mass transit systems, buses, subway light rail, and passenger rail, freight rail, pipelines, and highway systems. Moreover, in examining the security of surface transportation systems, the Committee will consider options to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the surface transportation inspection program. The Committee will also examine the efficacy and impact of Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response teams. The Committee will also monitor the extent to which the Department effectively coordinates with other Federal partners, such as the Department of Transportation, the Federal Rail Administration, and the Federal Aviation Administration to secure our nation’s transportation systems. The Committee will continue to monitor the implementation of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential and its impact on those required to obtain the credential.

TRANSPORTATION SECURITY REGULATIONS

During the 113th Congress, the Committee will examine transportation security regulations in order to reduce the burden on the economy and improve American global competitiveness. The Committee will examine the challenges to finalize guidance related to foreign-aircraft repair-station security. The Committee will continue to seek perspectives from the private sector on the impact of transportation security regulations and options for the Department to become more efficient and effective.

SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND COMMUNICATIONS
PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE

During the 113th Congress, the Committee will examine the Administration’s efforts to implement Presidential Policy Directive 8 (PPD-8), and the required National Preparedness System, which includes the various frameworks and the National Preparedness Goal. Additionally, the Committee will review the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) response and recovery efforts for declared disasters to ensure capabilities are enhanced by lessons learned and Federal resources are used appropriately. The Committee will investigate issues, if any, of waste, fraud, and abuse associated with FEMA’s disaster response efforts.

ASSISTANCE TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND FIRST RESPONDERS

Throughout the 113th Congress, the Committee will examine FEMA’s allocation and administration of grants to enhance the ability of state and local governments and emergency response providers to prevent, prepare for, respond to, mitigate, and recover from a terrorist attack, including proposals for reforms to these programs. The Committee will review the coordination of grant programs across the Federal government; coordination within the Department of Homeland Security in developing guidance and administering grants; the ability of state and local governments to access, obligate, and expend funds; strength of regional partnerships developed through grants; and the risk-based distribution and expenditure of such grants at the state and local levels. The Committee will examine options to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of grant programs. The Committee will also review ongoing efforts to comprehensively assess these investments and the impact on preparedness capabilities through the lens of the National Preparedness Goal, National Preparedness Report, State Preparedness Reports, and other related measures.

CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, AND NUCLEAR PLANNING, PREPAREDNESS, AND RESPONSE

During the 113th Congress, the Committee will examine the significant challenges posed by chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) weapons to homeland security and assess the Department’s progress in implementing security strategies including prevention, preparedness, and response approaches that utilize multiple tools and policies to reduce the likelihood and impact of CBRN attacks and, thus, the CBRN risk to the Nation. The Committee will oversee the Department’s efforts to predict and respond to the evolving CBRN threat landscape, and ensure that CBRN expenditures are risk-based, coordinated, and in general represent wise use of taxpayer dollars. The Committee will examine the Department’s capability to mitigate CBRN risks through appropriate means including detection of, preparedness for, and response to CBRN threats. The Committee will continue its oversight of those activities needed to ensure the safety of the public and the first responder community in the event of an attack, such as through the development of medical countermeasures programs. The Committee will also oversee preparedness for agricultural terrorism events.

COMMUNICATIONS

In the 113th Congress, the Committee will examine the coordination of the various communications programs and offices within the Department of Homeland Security. The Committee will monitor activities of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) and the development of the public safety interoperable wireless broadband network. In addition, the Committee will review the Department’s programs in the establishment of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System to ensure timely and effective alerts and warnings are provided to the public in the event of an emergency.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROVIDER TRAINING

During the 113th Congress, the Committee will review the Department’s terrorism preparedness training programs, including awareness of these resources among first responders and state and local governments and the level of coordination among Federal, state, and local training programs. The Committee will also review existing training centers and determine whether the Department is optimally utilizing these facilities to enhance first responder terrorism preparedness.

EXERCISES AND SIMULATIONS

The Committee will examine the Department’s efforts to streamline and improve the National Exercise Program to ensure the program enhances the preparedness of the Nation. The Committee will monitor the extent to which FEMA is incorporating lessons learned from national exercises into future training, planning, and response, recovery, and mitigation activities.

SUBCOMMITTEE ON CYBERSECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION, AND SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES
CYBERSECURITY

In the 113th Congress, the Committee will examine the Department’s role in hardening our national critical infrastructure against cyber attacks by fortifying Federal civilian networks and collaborating with the private sector to develop the means to detect and prevent cyber attacks, reduce vulnerabilities, provide incident response, and facilitate recovery. That oversight will consider the Department’s ability to detect the incursion of malicious activity; attribute the source of that activity; and promote best practices, risk assessments, and sharing of threat information across all levels of government and the private sector.

The Department has been delegated authority by the White House to develop cybersecurity policy across the civilian government agencies. The Committee will monitor that this policy is effective, efficient and scalable to ensure the security of government networks. In addition, the Committee will examine the Department’s ability to foster research and development cybersecurity technology as well as developing a substantial and capable professional cybersecurity workforce. The Department has recently reorganized the offices tasked with carrying out its cybersecurity mission so the Committee will review the efficiencies in these offices to make sure that the bureaucracy enables, and doesn’t hinder, the mission. The Committee will also examine the resiliency of national critical infrastructure to withstand cyber attacks and the need to optimize supply chain risk management in order to protect against manipulation without unnecessarily impeding commerce.

The Committee will also review the integration of the various cyber missions carried out across the Federal government, including its collaboration with the defense and intelligence agencies. Similarly the Committee will monitor the Department’s role in fulfilling the goals of the Homeland Security blueprint for cybersecurity, as well as the development and the implementation of the National Cyber Incident Response Plan, which expands upon the National Response Framework. The Committee will ensure that the Department facilitates the improved security of our Nation’s critical infrastructure while earning and building on the trust of the owners and operators of that infrastructure.

CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION

Pursuant to Homeland Security Presidential Directive 7 (HSPD-7), the Department is responsible for integrating sector specific strategies into a National Strategy for Critical Infrastructure Protection, and for coordinating Federal efforts across all such infrastructure sectors. During the 113th Congress, Committee oversight will focus on the Department’s national coordination responsibilities and its sector specific critical infrastructure protection responsibilities. The Committee will also examine the Department’s efforts to assess national critical infrastructure priorities

In addition, the Committee will review the Department’s progress in identifying, prioritizing, recommending, and implementing protective measures to reduce vulnerabilities for critical infrastructure and key resources, including its administration of programs to promote private sector sharing of critical infrastructure threat and vulnerability-related information, and its administration of systems and programs to provide timely warnings of potential risks to critical infrastructure.

CHEMICAL FACILITY SECURITY

In the 113th Congress, the Committee will continue to review the Department’s efforts to secure chemical facilities and take action, as appropriate, to optimally balance the program’s effectiveness in reducing risk posed by certain chemical facilities and the everyday demands for chemicals in commerce. The Committee will review the management challenges associated with the Department’s related chemical facility security program and the progress in increasing its efficiency and effectiveness.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

During the 113th Congress, the Committee will oversee the capability of the Department’s Science & Technology Directorate to rapidly develop and deliver products and technology solutions to its customers, including the operating components of the Department, and state and local emergency responders and officials, to help them secure the homeland by preventing, protecting against, and responding to terrorist threats and natural disasters. The Committee will examine, in particular, the Department’s progress in developing a more rigorous process to identify, prioritize, and fund research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) opportunities that balances risk to the homeland with cost, impact, and time to deliver.

The Committee will review the Department’s efforts to coordinate the homeland security research and development agenda and leverage scientific knowledge and technical expertise, research, and facilities at relevant universities, research institutions, government and national laboratories, and the private sector, including the Homeland Security Centers of Excellence and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers. The Committee will also assess the status of the Department’s technical infrastructure and workforce to ensure current and future homeland security RDT&E needs will be met. The Committee will review the Department’s activities relating to evaluation, testing, and certification of private sector homeland security technologies.

During the 113th Congress, the Committee will also continue to review the Directorate’s implementation of the Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act (the SAFETY Act), to determine its impact on homeland security and facilitation of jobs in the private sector.

TECHNOLOGY TO COUNTER CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, AND NUCLEAR THREATS

During the 113th Congress, the Committee will examine the Department’s progress in improving the Nation’s capability to counter the threat of terrorist use of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons in the United States through multi-layered approaches at the Federal, state, and local levels. The Committee will review the Department’s chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear analysis capabilities and information sharing mechanisms to provide actionable information and an integrated operating system to guide decision makers in carrying out appropriate responses, including interdiction.

To enhance the ability to interdict chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear smuggling across US borders (land, air, and sea), the Committee will oversee the Department’s progress in employing risk-based methods for developing, testing, certifying, deploying, and operating current and next generation chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear detection equipment. The Committee will also examine the Department’s ability to detect chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials in the interior of the United States and the Department’s coordination with state and local partners to reduce the risk of these threats. Finally, the Committee will examine the Department’s chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear forensic activities to support national priorities for deterrence, attribution, and prosecution.

SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY
DEPARTMENTAL EFFICIENCY AND WASTE, FRAUD, ABUSE, AND DUPLICATION

In the 113th Congress, the Committee will oversee the Department of Homeland Security’s day-to-day operations to ensure that it is operating in the most efficient and effective manner possible. Pursuant to Rule X, clause 2(d)(F) of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee will work to identify potential opportunities to eliminate duplicative or unnecessary programs, find efficiencies that will contribute to the Department’s ability to meet its vital missions, and identify areas for cost savings. The Committee will also conduct rigorous oversight to ensure departmental regulations enhance security without posing an unnecessary barrier to private sector job creation. The Committee will investigate homeland security programs and practices, as warranted. For example, the Committee will continue to monitor the safety and security of Federal buildings and facilities, including the role and effectiveness of the Federal Protective Service. The Committee’s oversight will include monitoring the extent to which the Department is responsive to the Committee’s requests.

ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT

During the 113th Congress, the Committee will review the efforts of the Department of Homeland Security to improve acquisition outcomes, and to ensure that effective management controls are put in place to prevent contract waste, fraud, and abuse while promoting efficiency and effectiveness. The Committee will review the authorities and activities of the Undersecretary for Management and Chief Procurement Officer to ensure the effective management of these key functions. The Committee will monitor the cost, schedule, and performance status of major Department acquisition programs. The Committee will also examine the impact of the Department’s acquisition initiatives to enhance processes and improve outcomes related to its major acquisition programs.
The Committee also will review the Department’s implementation of Section 831(a) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, which grants the Secretary authority with respect to research and development projects to use more flexible contracting mechanisms in an effort to attract “nontraditional government contractors” for needed homeland security technologies, as well as the Secretary’s use of other streamlined acquisition practices. The Committee will continue to monitor the Department’s efforts to leverage strategic sourcing, as outlined in Federal guidance, to increase efficiencies.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

In the 113th Congress, the Committee will continue its oversight of the Department of Homeland Security’s progress to properly manage financial systems and data to minimize inefficient and wasteful spending, make more informed decisions to manage its programs and implement Department policies. The Committee will also review the Department’s efforts to enhance its managerial cost accounting, address internal control weaknesses in financial reporting, achieve a clean audit opinion on its financial statements, and reduce the reliance on manual data calls to collect cost information from the various components and compile consolidated, reliable data.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT

During the 113th Congress, the Committee will review the Department’s efforts to address information technology (IT) challenges, including the management and integration of the Department’s IT systems. The Committee will review the authorities and activities of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and component CIOs to ensure the effective management and coordination of these key functions. The Committee will also monitor the Department’s progress in IT architectural planning, investment management, cloud computing, policy development, operations, and related personnel management.

DEPARTMENTAL WORKFORCE

Throughout the 113th Congress, the Committee will monitor the Department’s efforts to recruit and retain personnel and to address employee concerns set forth in the Office of Personnel Management’s Federal Human Capital Survey and the Department’s own personnel surveys, which have indicated morale problems across the Department. In addition, the Committee will continue to examine the Department’s Balanced Workforce Initiative, which seeks to convert contractor positions into Federal positions, to ensure an appropriate balance is struck between Federal employees and private contracts and guard against any unnecessary elimination of private sector jobs.
The Committee will continue to monitor the Department’s efforts to effectively and efficiently consolidate its headquarters from more than 40 locations throughout the National Capital Region, known as the St. Elizabeth’s Headquarters Consolidation Project.

EMPLOYEE INTEGRITY

In the 113th Congress, the Committee will examine employee corruption and misconduct issues and their effect on homeland security. Although the vast majority of Department employees reflect the agency’s core values, even one corrupt employee represents a significant management challenge. The Committee will review Department statistics and case studies associated with employee integrity issues, as well as, the effectiveness of policies, procedures, and practices the Department utilizes to address such issues.

UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE

In the 113th Congress, the Committee will examine the homeland security operations of the United States Secret Service, including its critical role of protecting the President of the United States, among other duties. The Committee will also monitor issues related to employee integrity.

PRIVACY AND CIVIL LIBERTIES

Section 222 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (the Act) created a Privacy Officer for the Department of Homeland Security to ensure that the Department’s information gathering and analysis functions and other programs across its components adhere to established standards for the protection of privacy. Section 705 of the Act also established an Officer for Civil Rights and Liberties to review and assess information alleging abuses of civil rights or civil liberties by employees and officials of the Department of Homeland Security. During the 113th Congress, the Committee will continue to monitor the Department’s efforts under such laws to strike an appropriate balance between the need to combat terrorist attacks against the United States with the privacy expectations and civil rights of US citizens. For example, the Committee will continue to monitor the Department’s role in oversight of the domestic use of unmanned aerial systems.

Committee Oversight Plan [PDF]