The House passed legislation Jan. 14 to fund the Department of Homeland Security through the end of fiscal 2015, averting the risk of a partial agency shutdown at the end of February.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bill \u2014 passed by the House 236 to 191 \u2014 provides $39.7 billion in discretionary funding \u2013 a $400 million increase over 2014 levels. But the legislation also defunds aspects of President Obama’s recent actions on immigration, including a program that allows immigrant children to remain in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bill now heads to the Senate before being signed or vetoed by President Obama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Congress has already funded the rest of the government in December, but the DHS funding was cut short to provide an opportunity for further debate on immigration issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bill provides for 21,370 border patrol agents \u2013 a record high for the agency \u2013 as well as 23,775 Customs and Border Protection officers. DHS will also receive additional funding to test a biometric mobile application for people leaving the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Secret Service would receive $1.7 billion \u2013 an increase of $80.5 million to help boost training and preparation efforts ahead of the 2016 presidential election.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But some agencies saw cuts. The Transportation Security Administration will see its budget cut by $94.3 million, and airport screening personnel would be capped at 45,000 employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bill also requires DHS to submit comprehensive spending packages to Congress as well as report on its acquisition efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rep. Hal Rogers, R-Ky., chairman of the House appropriations committee, said in a statement the bill prioritizes front-line security and counter-terrorism and reduces overhead costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Providing for this nation’s defense is one of our chief duties as members of Congress, and I applaud the House for taking the responsible step to sufficiently fund important Department of Homeland Security programs,” Rogers said. “By prioritizing front-line operations, supporting around-the-clock border surveillance and disaster preparedness, and boosting law enforcement efforts, this legislation will help maintain our readiness for any threats that may come our way.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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