WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Peter Meijer (R-MI), a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, today announced that his bill, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trade and Economic Security Council Act, passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 348-75. The legislation will strengthen American economic security by creating a centralized nexus for economic security efforts within DHS and ensure these efforts remain a priority moving forward. It was co-led by Representative John Katko (R-NY), Ranking Member of the Committee.
“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 will formalize and centralize existing efforts at DHS to ensure that the Department works more efficiently and remains focused on addressing these economic security challenges in the years to come. I appreciate the committee’s support for this effort, and I look forward to working with the rest of our colleagues to safeguard our nation’s economic and homeland security for future generations.”
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 we 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.
