WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins’ (R-LA) bipartisan legislation to protect the southern border and combat transnational criminal organizations passed the House Homeland Security Committee by unanimous vote. This legislation reauthorizes the Joint Task Forces (JTFs) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) so that they can coordinate agencies to combat drug smuggling, human trafficking, and terrorist threats.
In 2014, the Department of Homeland Security established several joint task forces to streamline and unify national security operations and investigations against transnational criminal organizations. This legislation would extend DHS’s authority to establish and operate JTFs through September 30, 2026, so that federal law enforcement agencies can continue to work together and confront the national security risks our country faces.
“This bill represents a bipartisan effort to help secure our southern border,” said Congressman Higgins. “The current Joint Task Force-East has shown to be markedly successful in dealing with the complex problems facing our homeland. Reauthorizing this commonsense legislation ensures the safety and security of our nation.”
Read the legislation here.
Watch Congressman Higgins discuss the bill during committee markup here.
