H.R.708 - Strategic Homeland Intelligence and Enforcement Legislation to Defend Against the CCP Act; SHIELD Against CCP Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.708, also known as the SHIELD Against CCP Act, aims to establish a working group within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to counter threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). These threats include terrorism, cybersecurity breaches, border and port security vulnerabilities, and transportation security risks. The working group will assess DHS efforts, account for dedicated resources, identify policy gaps, and facilitate inter-departmental coordination.
Expected Effects
The bill's enactment would lead to the creation of a specialized working group focused on analyzing and mitigating CCP-related threats. This could result in enhanced security measures and improved information sharing among federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners. The working group is set to terminate seven years after its establishment.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced national security through focused efforts on countering CCP threats.
- Improved information sharing and coordination among various government levels.
- Identification of vulnerabilities in existing policies and processes related to homeland security.
- Increased awareness and understanding of CCP tactics and activities.
- Potential development of new technologies and techniques for enhancing security.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for overreach and infringement on individual liberties if not implemented carefully.
- Risk of duplication of efforts if not properly coordinated with existing agencies and initiatives.
- Possible strain on resources within the Department of Homeland Security.
- Concerns about potential discrimination or bias based on national origin.
- The working group's sunset provision may limit long-term effectiveness.
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. However, the implementation must adhere to constitutional protections, particularly the First Amendment (freedom of speech) and the Fourth Amendment (protection against unreasonable searches and seizures). Section 2(g) explicitly addresses these concerns, mandating compliance with constitutional, privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties protections, and ensuring that activities do not infringe upon the lawful exercise of free speech by United States persons.
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).