Congressman Don Bacon’s (NE-02) bill, H.R. 5079 DHS (Department of Homeland Security) Field Engagement Accountability Act, was passed by the House of Representatives today.  This important legislation will help bolster the partnership between DHS and fusion centers across the United States.  H.R. 5079 has seven bipartisan cosponsors including House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (TX-10).  This is Rep. Bacon’s second bill to be approved by the House.

“When I toured the Nebraska Information Analysis Center (NIAC), the sole fusion center in the state, I saw first-hand the critical role fusion centers play in the sharing of intelligence and counterterrorism information with local law enforcement agencies,” said Rep. Bacon. “In recent years, the Department of Homeland Security has made it a priority to provide more support and resources to fusion centers. I am glad to see this bill pass as it will build upon and reinforce these efforts. This bill will serve to strengthen the partnership between DHS and with those on the ground at fusion centers like the NIAC.”

“Fusion centers are a key element of our homeland security efforts because they improve partnerships at the state, local, and federal levels,” said Chairman McCaul. “Representative Bacon’s legislation will promote greater engagement between DHS components and fusion centers to ensure better coordination of vital counterterrorism information.”

The DHS Field Engagement Accountability Act:

• Provides for additional training and improvements for information sharing systems the Department makes available to fusion centers and other law enforcement agencies.
• Requires an agency-wide DHS engagement strategy with fusion centers to provide the support they need to protect the Homeland.
• Mandates the creation of performance metrics to hold DHS field personnel accountable as well as to ensure a greater level of transparency and stronger partnership are achieved.

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