WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Peter Meijer (R-MI), a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, and John Katko (R-NY), ranking member of the committee, today introduced the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trade and Economic Security Council Act of 2021 to create a centralized nexus for economic security efforts within DHS and ensure that these efforts remain a priority moving forward.
“The COVID-19 pandemic opened our eyes to the dangers of becoming dependent on untrustworthy countries like China for materials that are critical to the daily lives of Americans,” said Rep. Meijer. “It is clearer now than ever before that economic security is homeland security. This bill would formalize and centralize these important efforts at DHS to ensure that the Department works more efficiently and remains focused on addressing these challenges in the years to come. I appreciate Ranking Member Katko’s support and look forward to working with him and the rest of our colleagues to safeguard our nation’s economic and homeland security for future generations.”
"The COVID-19 pandemic taught us the painful lesson that economic security impacts homeland security in ways that affect the daily lives of Americans,” said Ranking Member Katko. “We cannot find ourselves in that position ever again. Improving our posture begins with the Department of Homeland Security placing a greater emphasis on economic security and the resiliency of our supply chains. Without a unified and coordinated Departmental effort, we risk again being unprepared for the next national or global disaster, scrambling to respond. I am proud to join Rep. Meijer in this effort to make economic security a top priority within the Department."
The DHS Trade and Economic Security Council Act of 2021 would:
- Solidify economic security efforts at DHS by codifying two existing entities within the Department that are already focused on these issues: (1) the DHS Trade and Economic Security Council, and (2) the position of Assistant Secretary for Trade and Economic Security within the Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans.
- The Council would provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary related to the economic security of the homeland, which would include identifying concentrated risks for economic security, setting priorities for securing the nation’s economic security, coordinating Department-wide activity on economic security matters, and proposing statutory and regulatory changes impacting economic security.
- The Council would be chaired by the Assistant Secretary for Trade and Economic Security and consist of members appointed by the Chair from at least nine specific DHS components or offices, along with advisory members from other components as determined by the Chair.
- The Council would be required to meet at least quarterly and provide regular briefings to Congress.
- The Assistant Secretary would advise the Secretary regarding matters relating to U.S. critical economic security domains, oversee related activities within the Department, and coordinate with relevant stakeholders across the government and private sector.
