Homeland security measures pass House
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Bills strengthen cybersecurity, privacy, information sharing.
The House passed eight homeland security measures today that,
among other measures, are designed to strengthen cyber security,
promote greater sharing of unclassified information and prevent
the over-classification of information. Rep. Bennie G. Thompson
(D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security praised
measures.
'Passage of these vital measures improves the nation's
information sharing capacity, increases privacy protections at the
department and further strengthens both our cyber and port
security," said Thompson.
Following is a summary of the measures passed by the House:
- H.R. 3815 - Homeland Security Open Source Information Enhancement Act of
- H.R. 4806 - Reducing Over-Classification Act of 2008 - Sponsored by Rep. Harman (D-CA), this bill requires the
Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a strategy to prevent the
over-classification of information and to promote the sharing of
unclassified information. - H.R. 6193 - Improving Public Access to Documents Act of 2008 - Sponsored by Rep. Harman (D-CA), this bill requires the
Secretary of Homeland Security to promote the implementation of the
Controlled Unclassified Information Framework applicable to
relevant unclassified information. - H.R. 6098 - Personnel Reimbursement for Intelligence Cooperation
and Enhancement of Homeland Security Act - Sponsored by Rep. Reichert (R-WA), this bill ensures that homeland security grants can be applied to retain and acquire intelligence analysts to work in Fusion Centers and engage in
information sharing. - H.R. 5170 - Department of Homeland Security Component Privacy
Officer Act of 2008 - Sponsored by Rep. Carney (D-PA), this bill provides for a
privacy official within each component of the Department of
Homeland Security. - H.R. 5983 - Homeland Security Network Defense and Accountability
Act of 2008 - Sponsored by Rep. Langevin (D-RI), this measure seeks to
enhance information security within DHS by establishing
authorities, qualifications, security practices for the Chief
Information Officer, creating testing protocols to reduce network
vulnerabilities and requiring the examination of contractor
security policies. - H.R. 5531 - Next Generation Radiation Screening Act of 2008 -
Sponsored by Rep. King (R-NY), this measure clarifies the
criteria for certification relating to advanced spectroscopic
portal monitors and authorizes the 'Secure Our Cities'
nuclear detection pilot at $40 million. - H.R. 2490 - Sponsored by Rep. Bilirakis (R-FL), this bill authorizes a
successful pilot program that the Coast Guard has been conducting
for the mobile biometric identification in the maritime environment
of individuals interdicted at sea.
2008 - Sponsored by Rep. Perlmutter (D-CO), this bill requires the
Secretary of Homeland Security to make use of open source
information to develop and disseminate open source homeland
security information products.
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