03.08.18

Hoeven Votes to Advance Homeland Security Reauthorization Legislation

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, today voted to advance bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The bill provides clear guidance to DHS by codifying the department’s existing practices and programs, while also streamlining its management and promoting efficiency in its operations.

“DHS covers a wide range of programs that are critical to protecting our nation and our communities,” Hoeven said. “It is vital that we provide a comprehensive update for the laws governing this department and the agencies and programs it encompasses, from border security and cybersecurity to flood protection and emergency preparedness. This bipartisan effort will strengthen DHS’ operations and help it succeed in its missions.”

Hoeven is working to advance initiatives at DHS to help ensure the department’s effectiveness. This includes supporting the personnel, technology and infrastructure needed to secure the border, as well as securing a commitment from DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen to pursue the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in improving national security. The senator has invited Secretary Nielsen and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Acting Commissioner Kevin McAleenan to visit North Dakota, invitations which they have accepted, to see firsthand the work of the Grand Sky Technology Park, the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, and the CBP UAS facility at the Grand Forks Air Force Base. This comes as part of Hoeven’s efforts to promote the region as a UAS hub for northern border security.

Hoeven has also worked consistently with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support flood protection across the state, including for communities such as Minot, Fargo and Drayton. Most recently, FEMA held a workshop in Minot to find creative funding solutions and help advance comprehensive flood protection for the Souris River Valley. The event was the result of a request Hoeven made during his roundtable with FEMA Administrator Brock Long in Minot last year.

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