A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
In the other chamber's committee
Passed one chamber and has been handed to a committee in the other.
The committee decides whether it goes any further, and most bills that reach a committee never leave it. A committee that simply does nothing kills a bill without anyone ever voting against it, so no news from here is usually the news.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Passed House voice vote
- In Senate committee
The House by voice vote (members called out yes or no together): no member's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
The Securing the Cities Improvement Act aims to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002. It proposes changes to the Securing the Cities (STC) program regarding eligibility, metrics, and oversight. The bill shifts how jurisdictions are designated for the program. It also directs the establishment of specific performance metrics and milestones. Additionally, it requires the Secretary to submit a report to specific Congressional committees.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +3
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill enhances transparency by requiring specific reports to Congressional committees.
- Scored +3
Does this put more money into stopping terrorism?
The bill enhances program oversight and establishes performance metrics for terrorism preparedness and response.
- Scored +2
Would people in cities be better off under this?
The bill focuses on enhancing the security and preparedness of designated jurisdictions, which likely include urban areas.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Program Oversight: The bill requires the establishment of performance metrics, milestones, and the monitoring of expenditures to track program performance (Section 2, subsection (b), paragraph 7). This could ensure that program funds are being used effectively.
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Clearer Eligibility Criteria: Jurisdiction designation would be based on capability and capacity regarding preparedness and response, as well as the relative threat, vulnerability, and consequences of terrorist attacks or high-consequence events involving nuclear or radiological materials (Section 2, subsection (c)(1)). This provides a specific framework for identifying which areas need support.
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Increased Accountability: The Secretary is required to submit a report to the House and Senate Homeland Security committees regarding program participation, metrics, performance, and future plans (Section 2, subsection (d)). This creates a mechanism for congressional oversight of the program's progress.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are mentioned in the text provided.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill enhances transparency by requiring specific reports to Congressional committees. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill clarifies federal oversight and reporting requirements for the Securing the Cities program.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this put more money into stopping terrorism? — The bill enhances program oversight and establishes performance metrics for terrorism preparedness and response.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in cities be better off under this? — The bill focuses on enhancing the security and preparedness of designated jurisdictions, which likely include urban areas.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster? — The bill improves preparedness and response capacity for high-consequence events through better oversight.
- 3/11/2025
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 3/10/2025
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1056)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1056)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1374.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1056-1057)
- Mr. Green (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 2/14/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology.
- Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Clay HigginsRepublican · Louisiana
Bennie ThompsonDemocrat · Mississippi