Enhancing Dhs' Fusion Center Technical Assistance Program Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5099, the Enhancing DHS' Fusion Center Technical Assistance Program Act.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5099 would authorize the Department of Homeland Security's existing fusion center technical assistance program. Currently, there are 79 fusion centers operating in the United States. Each fusion center relies on the DHS to help assist with intelligence products and information-sharing activities, terrorism prevention initiatives, and Homeland Security grant programs.

This bill seeks to solidify engagement between representatives at the fusion centers with their partners in the departments like FEMA and the DHS intelligence branch. Specifically, the program provides technical assistance on topics like best practices for information sharing regarding threats and operating a fusion center.

By codifying this existing program, H.R. 5099 seeks to strengthen the DHS' partnership with fusion centers to ensure that they are well- positioned to address a wide range of diverse security threats that may emerge.

The bill passed committee unanimously and would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002. I urge my colleagues to support this measure.

Mr. Speaker, the security and well-being of our country is dependent upon the timely sharing of threat information between our law enforcement and intelligence personnel.

Importantly, one of the key areas where the DHS will provide expertise to fusion centers under H.R. 5099 is with respect to the protection of privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 5099, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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