H.R.1374 - Securing the Cities Improvement Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1374, the Securing the Cities Improvement Act, aims to enhance the Securing the Cities (STC) program by amending the Homeland Security Act of 2002. The bill focuses on refining eligibility criteria, establishing performance metrics, and improving congressional oversight of the STC program. It emphasizes a risk-based approach for designating jurisdictions and requires a report to Congress on the program's performance and future plans.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely lead to a more targeted and measurable approach to securing cities against terrorist threats involving nuclear or radiological materials. It will shift the focus from simply high-risk urban areas to jurisdictions with demonstrated capability and capacity to respond. Enhanced oversight and performance metrics should improve the program's effectiveness and accountability.
Potential Benefits
- Improved targeting of resources to jurisdictions best equipped to handle threats.
- Enhanced performance monitoring and accountability of the STC program.
- Increased focus on preparedness and response capabilities.
- Better congressional oversight of the program's effectiveness.
- A more risk-based approach to allocating security resources.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for some high-risk urban areas to lose funding if they do not meet the new eligibility criteria.
- Increased administrative burden associated with establishing and tracking performance metrics.
- Possible delays in program implementation due to the need to revise eligibility criteria and reporting requirements.
- The shift in focus could neglect other potential threats beyond nuclear and radiological materials.
- The report to congress may not be transparent or useful.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's broad goals of providing for the common defense and ensuring domestic tranquility, as stated in the Preamble. Congress's role in overseeing the program through required reports is consistent with its legislative powers under Article I, Section 8, which includes the power to provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).