Homeland Security: Concerns Over Staffing Cuts at FEMA, CISA, and TSA
Recognizing the critical missions of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and expressing concern that the systematic reduction of its career workforce has undermined those missions and endangered the safety and security of United States citizens.
This bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and has been sent to several House committees for review. No further actions or votes have been scheduled at this time. It is not currently moving forward.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This resolution highlights major job losses at three key agencies: FEMA, which handles disasters; CISA, which protects against cyberattacks; and TSA, which manages airport security. It claims these cuts make the country less safe.
- FEMA has lost over 3,000 workers through buyouts and layoffs, leaving it with very few staff to handle hurricane season. Internal plans suggest the agency could eventually lose half of its total workforce, including many disaster response experts.
- The cybersecurity agency, CISA, has lost nearly 30 percent of its staff. This includes the total elimination of a program that helped protect federal elections from outside interference and a large reduction in staff who help private companies stay safe online.
- At airports, TSA officers have faced pay delays during government shutdowns, leading to hundreds of resignations. This has caused security wait times to stretch over two hours at some major airports as callout rates for officers increase.
- The resolution argues these cuts were made without permission from Congress and against existing funding laws. It calls on the administration to stop the layoffs, provide a full report on the job losses, and name a permanent leader for FEMA.
Milestones
Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, Energy and Commerce, and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Submitted in House
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Recognizing the critical missions of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and expressing concern that the systematic reduction of its career workforce has undermined those missions and endangered the safety and security of United States citizens.
Data Sources
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