Overview
Title
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to abolish the reorganization authority of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
The bill wants to stop a special rule that lets the Department of Homeland Security change how it is organized, so now it has to stick to the same setup, but some people are worried this might make it harder for them to keep us safe.
Summary AI
H.R. 9749 proposes changes to the Homeland Security Act of 2002 by removing certain sections that give the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) the power to reorganize itself. Specifically, the bill eliminates several sections and makes necessary changes to maintain consistency in the Act's numbering. The bill aims to simplify the structure by abolishing the reorganization authority that DHS previously had.
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AnalysisAI
Summary of the Bill
The bill titled "To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to abolish the reorganization authority of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes" seeks significant changes in how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is structured. Introduced in the House on September 23, 2024, by Mr. Bishop of North Carolina, the bill calls for striking out certain sections of the Homeland Security Act of 2002. This move essentially removes the Department's ability to reorganize without Congressional approval. The bill includes technical amendments, such as redesignating or striking out specific sections to ensure all references within the Act remain accurate after these modifications.
Summary of Significant Issues
One of the primary issues with the bill is its lack of a fiscal impact statement. It fails to clarify whether there is any cost associated with removing the DHS's reorganization powers, which makes it difficult to understand the broader financial implications of these changes. The language used to describe amendments is also highly technical, which could make it hard for individuals without in-depth legal knowledge to grasp the bill's intricacies. Moreover, the bill does not provide a rationale for why abolishing the reorganization authority is necessary, leaving stakeholders and policymakers without a clear understanding of its intended benefits or consequences.
Impact on the Public
The potential impact of this bill on the public could be significant given its focus on the Homeland Security Act. By removing the DHS's ability to reorganize itself in response to emergent challenges, the bill may affect how quickly and effectively DHS can respond to new threats. While stable organizational structures might lead to improved accountability, they might also hinder the department's adaptability. The ability of DHS to restructure quickly in times of urgent national need could diminish, which could raise concerns over national security preparedness.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Both the DHS and national security stakeholders could feel the effects of this bill acutely. For the DHS, the elimination of its reorganization authority might create operational constraints, potentially affecting its efficiency and capacity to respond to unforeseen circumstances. On the other hand, Congress would wield more influence over DHS's organizational changes. While this might ensure more oversight and accountability, it could also slow down the response time to necessary adjustments in structure or policy. Additionally, stakeholders concerned with national security might worry about rigidity in the DHS's operations, while advocacy groups focused on governmental transparency might view increased Congressional control as a positive development.
Issues
The abolition of the reorganization authority of the Department of Homeland Security may have significant implications for the agency's ability to efficiently adapt and respond to emerging threats. This raises concerns in Section 1 regarding the long-term flexibility and effectiveness of DHS operations, which is a key consideration for national security.
The bill lacks a fiscal impact statement, making it unclear if there are cost implications associated with abolishing the reorganization authority and enacting these amendments. Understanding the financial consequences is important for evaluating the bill's broader effects, as noted in Section 1.
The language regarding the 'striking' and 'redesignating' of sections could be confusing for readers without detailed knowledge of the Homeland Security Act, potentially leading to misunderstandings about the legal and operational changes being proposed, as outlined in Section 1.
There is no detailed explanation of the purpose and impact of abolishing the reorganization authority in the bill, which could hinder policymakers' and the public's understanding of its necessity and potential consequences, as identified in Section 1.
The bill does not discuss the potential effects of striking sections 857, 858, 872, and 881, leaving it unclear how these changes may alter existing policy frameworks or structures within DHS, as this omission is highlighted in Section 1.
There is an absence of clarity on what processes or protections will replace the revoked reorganization authority to ensure continued policy effectiveness and accountability, which is a concern raised in Section 1.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Abolition of reorganization authority of the Department of Homeland Security Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section removes the Department of Homeland Security's authority to reorganize by striking certain sections from the Homeland Security Act of 2002. It also updates the Act and its table of contents to reflect these changes, removing outdated sections and redesignating sections where necessary.