The U.S. House of Representatives recently approved the Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act, a bill that includes legislation approved by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in May.
The act amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002. It includes the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2017, which addresses maritime safety, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Reauthorization Act of 2017, which takes into considering the rising costs of dealing with disasters.
“This legislation will help to strengthen the Coast Guard and improve maritime safety,” Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee ranking member, said. “It will also help FEMA carry out its core mission to support families, communities, and first responders when disasters or emergencies strike. I am extremely pleased that the legislation includes my provision to ensure FEMA leads efforts to prepare for and protect the nation from earthquakes and tsunamis to save thousands of lives, countless injuries, and billions of dollars of damage. I thank my colleagues for working together on this legislation, and I look forward to moving this measure forward and getting it signed into law.”
The bill was cosponsored by 11 Republican members of the House. It was introduced by Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX).