releases: https://costello.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-legislation-strengthen-our-homeland-security
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://costello.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-legislation-strengthen-our-homeland-security | House Passes Legislation to Strengthen Our Homeland Security | 2015-12-10 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | PA | Ryan Costello | C001106 | costello.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Today, with the support of Congressman Ryan Costello (PA-06), the House of Representatives passed four pieces of legislation to streamline and strengthen the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In the wake of the recent terrorist attacks, the House has renewed its focus on security measures to better protect our homeland. The following bills passed the House of Representatives: H.R. 3869: State and Local Cyber Protection Act: Directs the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) at DHS to identify vulnerabilities in information systems and cybersecurity tools. Additionally, H.R. 3869 encourages coordination with state and local officials on best practices for dealing with cybersecurity. Passed by a unanimous vote. H.R. 2795: First Responder Identification of Emergency Needs in Disaster Situations (FRIENDS) Act: Ensures that state and local programs and policies prepare and protect our nations first responders as well as their families in areas impacted by a terrorist attack. Passed by a vote of 396-12. H.R. 3875: Department of Homeland Security CBRNE Defense Act: Establishes a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Office within DHS to ensure our nation is prepared for CBRNE threats and attacks of high magnitude. Passed by a unanimous vote. H.R. 3578: DHS Science and Technology Reform and Improvement Act: Improves how the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) within DHS carries out and conducts homeland security research and development. Passed by a unanimous vote. Following passage, Congressman Costello released the following statement: These are decisive Congressional actions to ensure our nation and our citizens remain safe and confident in how were protecting our homeland. We are living in very serious times, and these bills will strengthen DHS to adapt to the changing and evolving tactics of our enemies. Additionally, the House of Representatives recently passed H.R. 158: the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Improvement Act and H.R. 4038: the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act. H.R. 158 addresses key vulnerabilities in the VWP by implementing more rigorous background checks for foreign travelers and more reoccurring examinations of the program and its effectiveness. H.R. 4038 would suspend the Syrian and Iraqi refugee admissions into the United States until certain certifications are met. Costello recently signed on as a cosponsor of H.R. 4186: the Enemy Expatriation Act, which proposes revoking U.S. citizenship for any Americans traveling abroad to join, participate in, train with, fight for, conspire with, or otherwise support a foreign terrorist organization, including ISIS. This legislation was authored by Pennsylvania Congressman Charlie Dent (PA-15). ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |