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▶ 0:18:01a quorum being present the committee will be in order before we get started today I just wanted to say a few words on Monday's incident in Vermont I'm heartbroken by the loss of agent David Milan a dedicated bard of Patrol agent who was horrifically shot in the line of duty while serving our nation at the northern border we owe an immense debt gratitude to agent Milan for nearly a decade of service protecting our communities and we we must never forget the men and women in green
▶ 0:18:31on the front lines of the Border defend our homeland at Great personal cost far too often like agent Milan these courageous public servants pay the ultimate sacrifice I ask everyone to join me in a moment of silence
▶ 0:19:11persuant to notice the committee or pursuant to notice the committee is meeting to consider the committee's rules uh for the 119th Congress and committee resolution one the staff hiring resolution without objection any request for recorded votes may be rolled to the end of the meeting and the committee May recess it any point I now recognize myself to make an opening statement I'd like to welcome the members of the committee on homeland security to the 119th Congress both our new members uh and those returning I'm honored once again to
▶ 0:19:42lead the committee I'd like to thank the ranking member uh ranking member Thompson and all our members for their collaboration in finalizing our committee's rules so we can get on to the important business of the committee securing the Homeland is an American imperative and I hope for a productive partnership with all members of our committee over the last four years the world has grown grown more dangerous than at any point since World War II today we Face a myriad of threats not seen by previous generations and sadly we saw one of these play out in New
▶ 0:20:12Orleans on New Year's Day the Biden Harris Administration failed to confront these threat threats headon consequently our adversaries worldwide are bolder than ever conflict and instability are spreading and threats to our national security multiplying the world has always been a dangerous place but the threats and dangers to our homeland and to our very way of life have multiplied in just four years customs and board of protection recorded nearly 11 million encounters
▶ 0:20:42the Damage Done by the nefarious actors in those numbers Nations cartels terrorist organizations who use the opportunity of an open border will take decades to undo cyber security has increasingly become the battlefield on which America's adversaries undermine our sovereignty and threaten the very services that underpin the everyday lives of Americans the Chinese Communist Party Affiliated threat actor vult typhoon is no longer alone in its dangerous success for example salt typhoon even
▶ 0:21:12more concerning has now infiltrated back doors in major internet service providers and threatened security of telecommunications as well as other sectors there's no question that the CCP is strategically prepositioning itself in the event of ES escalation in the indopacific and we must do all we can to prepare our oversight and legislative agenda will tackle both the border and cyber security as well as a significant number of other issues facing our nation
▶ 0:21:43fortunately president Trump and his administration signal a return to the policies that kept America safe and secure and our enemies at Bay it will be incumbent on Congress to put aside political differences and give the Trump Administration all the tools it needs to continue advancing American interests the people have spoken we need to act part of accomplishing this means reforming the Department of Homeland Security into an agency that can protect our homeland against the evolving threats that are now facing our nation I Look to work together in the 119th Congress
▶ 0:22:13and look forward to each of you contributing while we may occasionally disagree on an approach to securing our homeland that doesn't mean we have to be disagreeable and we will apply the same rules we have uh in the last Congress we will focus on the issue and the policy and the facts and leave any personal attacks alone I'm excited to get to work I now recognize the ranking member of the committee the gentleman from Mississippi Mr Thompson to make an statement thank you
▶ 0:22:43Mr chairman first of all I to share my condolences to US border patrol agent David Milan's family and those serving along the northern border our hearts go out to agent Mal 's family and all the Agents of the swon sector especially I want to give my heartfelt condolences to all those who have been impacted by the devastating wildfires across Southern California particularly
▶ 0:23:14in the Los Angeles area as we sit here today First Responders in these communities continue to address the effects of some of the worst fires in California's history amid extremely challenging conditions and we all owe them immense gratitude at the time when so many are suffering top republicans in Congress are considering imposing conditions on disaster Aid following false claims
▶ 0:23:44by the president that California quote mishandle end quote the situation this is no time to play politics with the lives and well-being of those in need without question Congress should come to together to ensure that help reaches those who need it most I hope my colleagues on this committee will set an example of how we come together to do the right thing for communities hurt by these fires and other disasters the
▶ 0:24:14politicalization of disaster relief comes amid new administration's chaotic purges of dhs's personnel and policy reversals which jeopardize our domestic security and standing abroad while these actions have been telegraphed for months the scale of the lawlessness and disregard for the basic human decency still shocks the conscience or at least it should in just their first hours in power
▶ 0:24:45the new Administration shamefully put back on the streets hundreds of dangerous domestic terrorist guilty of assaulting police and obstructing a peaceful transfer of power after the 2020 presidential election so much for back in the blue the Trump Administration has abandoned our allies in Afghanistan leaving in limbo more than 1,600 vulnerable refugees
▶ 0:25:16already cleared for entry into the United States by cancelling their flights to the country many of these Afghans bravely helped Americans and Allied for Forces fight AMA Bin Laden and the Taliban and now their lives are in Jeopardy this committee was formed in the wake of 9/11 terrorist attack and we should stand up for our allies who have fought terrorism abroad the new Administration has
▶ 0:25:46also implemented loyalty tests for federal workers and ended programs designed to ensure the federal Workforce resemble the constituents they serve loyalty to a president is not a qualification for civil service Homeland Security is far too serious for such silly political games as we observed at the start of this meeting just Monday border patrol agent David
▶ 0:26:16Milan was shot and killed during a routine traffic stop in Vermont a tragedy that underscores how competent leadership and stability matters at the Third largest federal department protecting the Department's Workforce and ensuring competency and stability within dhs's leadership should be where this committee can add value and legislate in a bipartisan fashion we' have done so in the
▶ 0:26:46past but sadly this committee's legislative productivity declined 40% last Congress compared to Prior congresses under Democratic Leadership Republicans allowed just eight Democratic bills to reach the house floor under suspension of the rules just one of those became law nor did the Republican agenda fare any better aside from waging the fail impeachment of secretary mayorcas
▶ 0:27:17committee Republicans Advanced only nine Standalone public laws themselves and half of those did not see any committee consideration prior to floor action so nine is a bit of a grade inflation only at the end of the last year did committed Republicans start to advance legislation but by then it was too late for those measures to go further in the legislative process I hope we can turn that
▶ 0:27:47dismal record around this Congress but I'll have my doubts given the prospect of an ultra partisan reconciliation bill that promises to be like a Chris tree of the most extreme policy folk like Steven Miller Can Dream up Mr chairman is particularly unfortunate for our new committee members that I must set expectations so low I've seen this dysfunction of government under sole control of
▶ 0:28:17Republicans before I know the pain and suffering that is about to happen the while return to the failed policies of the past during the last 46 hours hours is just a start I'll just end by saying that the folk who sent us here deserve more than political theater we saw last Congress DHS has a wide range of critical missions that demand our attention and as I said last Congress we owe it to our constituents
▶ 0:28:48to work together and remain Vigilant regarding the full range of security challenges we Face including those emanating from within our borders with that Mr chairman I yeld back thank you ranking thank you ranking member Thom Thompson other members of the committee are reminded that opening statements may be submitted for the record and I now recognize the ranking member Mr chairman I ask unanimous consent to speak out of order to engage in a colloquy with you
▶ 0:29:18on a number of procedural matters without objection the gentleman is recognized for purposes of engaging in a colloquy Mr chairman can you clarify how the committee will approach subp and deposition in 119th Congress I yield to the chairman I thank the gentleman as the ranking member and I have discussed I look forward to engaging in collaboration where we find agreement it is our duty to ensure there's proper oversight over the department and that there is transparency with Congress and the American people regarding the committee
▶ 0:29:48subpoena Authority I pledge the same commitment to the ranking member that I pledged last Congress when practicable the full committee will meet to consider subpoenas and only in exigent circumstances would I move to issue a subpoena outside of a committee meeting in the event that the committee must issue a subpoena outside a committee meeting I pledge to do so in consultation with the ranking member with regard to deposition Authority consistent with house rules and regulations I will provide notice of not less than three days to the ranking member before a deposition is taken to afford minority staff the opportunity to participate
▶ 0:30:18in such proceedings and to claim equally divided questioning time I yeld back to the ranking member Mr chairman house rules now permit electronic voting in committees and this hearing room is now outfitted with those devices for the benefit of all members will the chair explain the circumstances and procedures for the use of electronic voting in this committee I yield to the chairman I thank the ranking member as you stated current house rules permit electronic voting
▶ 0:30:49and the hearing and the hearing room of this committee is now outfitted with electronic voting devices the proposed addition to the committee's rules the committee ruled uh 7 C in accordance with house rule 9 Clause 2N reflects this change as just information to the committee those who've been here it's the same as Foreign Affairs is using equipment wise and some of the other committee so you'll recognize it you've probably used it already with regard to the application of electronic voting it's
▶ 0:31:19my intention that the committee will utilize it only for postpone recorded votes I commit to set clear expectations regarding the timing and Order prior to the commencement of postponed question questions in which votes will be tallied by electronic device electronic voting will not be utilized for procedural questions for which a tally of votes is necessary I commit to ensuring that all members are given a reasonable opportunity to vote on postpone recorded questions tallied by electronic device as well as allowing members who wish to vote by voice and members who wish to
▶ 0:31:49change their vote at the conclusion of the electronic tally to do so I recognize the ranking member thank you last Congress the chair laid out a number of policies concerning administering Oaths to Witnesses advancing requests for remote Witnesses when the situation demands and this committee is long-standing practice of allowing members of the full committe to be on a caseby Case basis non voting participants at subcommittee
▶ 0:32:19proceedings if they do not sit on the subcommittee I understand the chair will not be changing those policies this Congress but for the benefit of all members will the chair reiterate those policies I yield to the chairman I thank the ranking member all Witnesses who testify before this committee are considered to be under oath to testify truthfully uh I intend to continue the practice of last Congress of formally swearing in all witnesses that appear before this committee and it is my expectation that subcommittee chairs will
▶ 0:32:49do the same with respect to requests for remote W Witnesses under the requirements imposed by house rules and regulations I will continue the practice of expeditiously taking requests that meet those requirements and forwarding them to the majority leader who ultimately decides on such requests I will allow such witnesses to participate remotely with approval of the majority leader lastly this committee will continue the practice of accommodating requests from members of the full committee to on a caseby casee basis participate in
▶ 0:33:19non- voting capacity on subcommittee proceedings of which they are not members members are encouraged to submit any request to join us subcommittee's proceeding as a non- voting participant to me or my staff at least one day before the subcommittee proceeding so consultation may take place I yield back thank you Mr chairman and I yield back as previously noted there are two organizational matters for the committee's consideration today for which I understand there is bipartisan agreement without objection I now call up the following measures
▶ 0:33:49to be considered in Block the committee's rules for the 119th Congress and committee resolution one the staff hiring resolution the CER work shall designate the measures in Block in Block committee on homeland security committee rules 119th Congress and committee resolution number one staff hiring resolution without objection the first reading is dispensed with the measures were circulated in Advan and printed copies are available no amendments to these measures were pre-filed with the clerk are there any amendments to these
▶ 0:34:21measures hearing none the question now occurs on adoption of the measures in block all those in favor say I I all those opposed no in the opinion of the chair it's the eyes have it and each measure is adopted without objection the motion to reconsider is laid on the table without objection staff is authorized to make any Technical and conforming changes before we close I'd like to take a moment to introduce our new members and give the ranking member the opportunity to introduce his new team members first uh from Tennessee I'd
▶ 0:34:51like to recognize Mr Andy ogal uh from Pennsylvania Ryan Mckenzie uh from Colorado representative Gabe Evans uh and uh from South Carolina representative Sher bigs uh and representative Brandon KN from the great state of North Carolina and a warm welcome back to our returning members all of you it's great to see look across and see the faces glad to have all of you back um and uh I'd also like to take a second and congratulate
▶ 0:35:21and recognize our subcommittee chairs the ranking member will also mention his ranking members for the subcommittees uh but we've got for the chair of border security and enforcement subcommittee representative Michael guest from Mississippi representative August fluger will chair the counterterrorism and subcommittee um representative Andrew Garbarino of New York will chair the cyber security and infrastructure protection subcommittee representative Dale strong from Alabama will chair the Emergency Management and Technology
▶ 0:35:51subcommittee representative Josh Beren of Oklahoma will chair the oversight investigations and accountability sub committee representative Carlos Jimenez from Florida will chair the transportation and Maritime security subcommittee and lastly I'd like to congratulate our vice chair and chair ameritus representative Michael McCall from Texas I now yield to the ranking member for the purposes of introducing the new democrat members and ranking members for the six subcommittees thank you Mr chairman I'm pleased to introduce four new members to this
▶ 0:36:21uh Democratic members to the committee uh Miss Julie Johnson of Texas uh Pedro who Hernandez of Puerto Rico who invited all members at their Leisure to come visit his district so uh I don't think that'll be a difficult sounds like a codell yeah uh Miss Nelly po of uh New Jersey and former mayor of Houston Texas Mr Sylvester Turner welcome I'd also like to
▶ 0:36:51introduce the subcommittee ranking members uh Mr Eric swell will continue as ranking member of the cyber security and infrastructure protection subcommittee luk kah will continue as ranking member of the board of security and enforcement subcommittee free tanar will be the ranking member of the oversight investigation and accountability subcommittee Seth magazina will continue as ranking member
▶ 0:37:21of the counterterrorism and intelligence subcommittee Tim Kennedy will be ranking member of the Emergency Management and technology subcommittee and last but not least uh Mr L Monica mcav will be the ranking member of the transportation and Maritime subcommittee also uh Miss Julie Johnson will serve as Vice ranking member we're happy to welcome back to this committee Dan Goldman of New York and
▶ 0:37:52de Delia Ramirez of Illinois thank you Mr chairman and I yeld back thank you uh ranking member finally I want to note that members have each been given an oath that pursuant to the committee rules must be executed before members May access classified information and I want to tell a little story I was on the armed services committee at the time and we had a classified briefing on the invasion of Ukraine this
▶ 0:38:22was before The occurred um they very clearly stated that if you if you talk about this you compromise our sources and they will lose their life that was the day before we were done we voted the next day I'm driving to Tennessee I get a phone call from the uh America uh from the AP reporter who said hey can you confirm what was said in the ask meeting and he had all the details of the classified briefing that had
▶ 0:38:52just occurred I don't know if it was a staff or I don't know if it was a member um I notified uh my classmate Vice Chief of Staff of the army I told him I'd meet him at the skiff and Fort Campbell got in a classified skiff and told him what the AP had they were able to call the AP and shut down the story but this information is vital to our national security and in the case of sources it might very well be their
▶ 0:39:22life this is not a republican Democrat issue this is a whole of nation this is a we before me moment here so I ask you to take it seriously as you sign that oath saying that you will not divulge information I'd ask that members provide a signed copy of that document to the committee clerk before leaving today there being no further Business Without objection the committee stands adjourned and we will gavel in for our hearing shortly thank
▶ 0:39:53you good job