Securing the Cities Improvement Act

Securing the Cities Improvement Act

This bill makes changes to the Securing the Cities program.

Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish performance metrics and milestones for the program.

In carrying out the program, DHS must designate jurisdictions based on the capability and capacity of the jurisdiction relating to preparedness and response, as well as the relative threat to, vulnerability of, and consequences for, such jurisdiction regarding terrorist attacks and other high-consequence events utilizing nuclear or other radiological materials.

DHS must report to Congress within two years regarding participation in the program, the establishment of metrics and milestones, performance against such metrics and milestones, and plans for any changes to the program.

Bill 118 hr 4403, also known as the Securing the Cities Improvement Act, aims to enhance the security of cities in the United States by preventing the smuggling of nuclear and radiological materials. The bill builds upon the existing Securing the Cities program, which was established to address the threat of nuclear terrorism.

The key provisions of the bill include increasing funding for the Securing the Cities program, expanding its scope to cover additional cities, and improving coordination between federal, state, and local agencies involved in securing cities. The bill also requires the Department of Homeland Security to conduct regular assessments of the program's effectiveness and make recommendations for improvement.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of training and equipping law enforcement personnel to detect and respond to nuclear and radiological threats. It also encourages the sharing of information and best practices among cities participating in the program. Overall, the Securing the Cities Improvement Act seeks to strengthen the nation's defenses against nuclear terrorism by enhancing the capabilities of cities to detect and prevent the smuggling of dangerous materials. The bill has received bipartisan support in Congress and is seen as a crucial step in safeguarding the country against potential security threats.