DHS Reform Act of 2021

Department of Homeland Security Reform Act of 2021 or the DHS Reform Act of 2021

This bill makes extensive changes to the structure of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and to the responsibilities of DHS components.

Specifically, the bill, among other things

• creates a new Associate Secretary responsible for overseeing DHS's law enforcement functions;
• modifies the responsibilities of the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, including to require engagement with individuals and communities whose civil rights and liberties may be affected by DHS programs and activities;
• establishes within DHS's Office of Intelligence and Analysis an analytic unit to serve as a focal point for intelligence and analysis of domestic terrorism threats;
• directs DHS to establish an employee engagement steering committee to identify factors that have a negative impact on employee engagement, morale, and communications within DHS;
• establishes within DHS a school security coordinating council;
• directs DHS to develop and disseminate a strategy with respect to biometric technology and identity management enterprise pilot programs and programs;
• requires DHS to develop, disseminate, and implement a DHS-wide directive to update or replace the strategic framework relating to countering terrorism and targeted violence;
• requires that DHS's use-of-force policy be updated to emphasize de-escalation; and
• requires DHS to issue a DHS-wide strategy to enhance partnerships with historically Black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutes that includes yearly goals.

The DHS Reform Act of 2021, also known as Bill 117 HR 4357, is a piece of legislation introduced in the United States Congress aimed at reforming the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The bill seeks to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the DHS by implementing various reforms and changes to the department's operations.

Some key provisions of the DHS Reform Act of 2021 include:

1. Strengthening cybersecurity measures within the DHS to better protect the nation's critical infrastructure and sensitive information from cyber threats. 2. Enhancing coordination and communication between the various agencies and components within the DHS to improve overall effectiveness and response to national security threats. 3. Implementing measures to increase transparency and accountability within the DHS, including regular reporting requirements to Congress on the department's activities and spending. 4. Improving the recruitment and retention of qualified personnel within the DHS by offering competitive salaries and benefits to attract top talent. 5. Enhancing the department's ability to respond to natural disasters and other emergencies by streamlining coordination with state and local agencies. Overall, the DHS Reform Act of 2021 aims to modernize and strengthen the Department of Homeland Security to better protect the United States from security threats and ensure the safety and security of the American people.