WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) has introduced two pieces of legislation, H.R. 2751 and H.R. 2752, as part of a comprehensive re-authorization of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The bills reauthorize U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), agencies within DHS responsible for enforcing federal laws governing border control, customs, trade and immigration.
“ICE and USCIS perform critical missions with the Department of Homeland Security, to secure America’s borders and protect our homeland,” saidRep. Higgins. “The threats facing American families are rapidly evolving. It’s common sense that we should provide these DHS agencies with the necessary guidance and structure to adapt their mission and use resources more efficiently as they work to keep Americans safe.”
Since the original authorization 15 years ago, DHS has never been reauthorized, leading to inefficiencies and a lack of congressional oversight.
By reauthorizing DHS and its underlying agencies, Congress will:
- restore Article I authority to write laws and provide direction via oversight mechanisms;
- create efficiency, consolidate and streamline programs;
- protect the people’s treasure and hold programs more accountable;
- support the boots-on-the-ground and front-line defenders with much needed resources.
“As a law enforcement officer and having recently traversed all 1,954 miles of the southern border, I have seen first-hand the need to reauthorize DHS and its component agencies,” said Rep. Higgins. “We have to ensure that the mission is focused on delivering resources to the boots-on-the-ground. Our legislation is driven by the will of front-line Patriots… not D.C. bureaucrats. We must stand strong against drug cartels and the insidious business of human trafficking and drug trafficking. We are duty bound to protect our homeland.”
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Read the full text of each bill:
H.R. 2751 – to establish U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement
H.R. 2752 – to establish U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services
