Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 901, the Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act.

I understand how important new technologies are in saving lives and protecting the American homeland as threats and challenges evolve.

Whether the Department of Homeland Security is working to prevent a terrorist act, inhibiting drug traffic at the southwest border, or responding to a life-threatening natural disaster, DHS relies heavily on research and development projects to enhance its operational effectiveness.

The critical role that R&D projects and new technologies play in helping protect our homeland cannot be understated. It is no secret that Federal R&D projects are a target for foreign theft, espionage, and influence.

It is our responsibility to safeguard them from malicious actors and prevent the unauthorized access to, or disclosure of, sensitive information.

This is why I reintroduced H.R. 901, the Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act. This legislation requires the Science and Technology Directorate to develop a process that safeguards sensitive information in R&D projects across all components of the Department.

Both the Trump and Biden administrations have made Federal research

security a priority by issuing executive orders and Federal research security guidance for government agencies like DHS to follow.

Despite this, S&T has not demonstrated how it will protect its $461 million worth of R&D projects from unauthorized access.

Every taxpayer dollar spent on R&D to improve our national security should be safeguarded from foreign and domestic bad actors who seek to do us harm.

This is why H.R. 901 also requires GAO to submit a report on how DHS has complied with existing Federal guidance to safeguard these R&D projects.

I thank Chairman Green and all the members who have supported this legislation.

By passing this commonsense bill and protecting sensitive R&D projects throughout the Department, we will improve the effectiveness of DHS' mission, the safety of our Nation's law enforcers, and, ultimately, our national security.

I urge all Members to join me in supporting this vital piece of legislation to better safeguard DHS and the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 901) to require the Under Secretary of the Science and Technology Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security to develop a Department-wide policy and process to safeguard research and development from unauthorized access to or disclosure of sensitive information in research and development acquisitions, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 901.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise today in support of H.R. 901, the Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act. The Science and Technology Directorate is the principal of research and development for DHS. In 2022, the DHS Office of Inspector General found that S&T failed to safeguard sensitive information in research and development projects.

This bill requires S&T to develop a proper standard for safeguarding sensitive information which has become especially critical given the heightened activity of our adversaries. This bill carried by former Representative Anthony D'Esposito passed the House last Congress, and I thank the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Strong) for his attention to this issue this Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Strong).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

I again urge my colleagues to support H.R. 901, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 901, the Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act. This bill seeks to enhance security measures by directing the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate to establish a comprehensive policy and process to protect research and development activities from unauthorized access or disclosure of sensitive information.

Additionally, this bill would task the Government Accountability Office to assess DHS' adherence to the National Science and Technology Council's 2022 implementation guidance and a 2021 National Security Presidential Memorandum focused on safeguarding U.S. research from foreign interference.

This bill also requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide Congress with a briefing on its implementation.

Time and time again, we have seen bad actors attempt to exploit our sensitive information. This measure strengthens DHS' ability to prevent such threats and protects our national security.

This bill is a critical step in ensuring DHS upholds strong policies and procedures to secure research and development efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 901, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, the passage of this legislation is a key step in protecting DHS' research and development capabilities from bad actors.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 901, and I yield back the balance of my time.