Rep. Demings’ First Bill of 116th Congress Passes House

ORLANDO, FL – Today Rep. Demings overwhelmingly passed her first bill of the 116th Congress through the House of Representatives on a vote of 412 to 12. The Pathways to Improving Homeland Security at the Local Level Act (H.R. 449) would enhance counterterrorism preparedness at the local level by expanding access to training and tools through the Department of Homeland Security.

Said Rep. Demings, “Over the last several years we have seen planning and execution of acts of terror devastate cities across America. Preparedness and training at the local level are essential to saving lives. My bill will ensure that law enforcement agencies of all sizes can more easily access the full suite of services and trainings available through the Department of Homeland Security.”

“Whether a church in Charleston, a synagogue in Pittsburgh, or a night club in Orlando, local law enforcement is on the front lines of protecting our communities from violence. It is crucial that we equip our first responders with the tools necessary to keep us safe even as the threats we face continue to evolve.”

Background

The Pathways to Improving Homeland Security at the Local Level Act (HR 449), sponsored by Rep. Val Demings (D-FL), directs the Assistant Secretary for State and Local Law Enforcement to produce and disseminate an accessible annual catalog on the available Department of Homeland Security trainings, publications, programs, and services for state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies.

The bill is a commonsense measure focused on increasing transparency on DHS tools and resources available to state and local law enforcement. It previously passed the House in September 2017 and was included in the DHS Reauthorization Act which passed the House in July 2017.

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