OSINT: HR 1333 CAP Homeland Security Act

OSINT (open source intelligence)

The below bill is before the Senate now. CT Junior Senator Joe Lieberman has retained his chairmanship of the committee.

H.R. 1333
Civil Air Patrol Homeland Security Support Act of 2007
June 18, 2008
Representative Charlie Dent (R-PA)
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STATUS: PASSED and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

SUMMARY
H.R. 1333 instructs the Comptroller General of the U.S. Government Accountability Office to review the functions of the Civil Air Patrol and how they may support the homeland security missions of State, local, and tribal governments and the Department of Homeland Security.

Civil Air Patrol Study
The bill directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the functions and capabilities of the Civil Air patrol in supporting the homeland security missions of State, local, and tribal governments, as well as those of the Department of Homeland Security. The study is to review the ability of the Civil Air Patrol to provide aerial reconnaissance or communications support for border security; augment the Department’s situational awareness and search-and-rescue capabilities in the aftermath of an act of terrorism, natural disaster, or other catastrophic event; and assist in other activities the Comptroller General determines appropriate for review.

Reporting
The Comptroller General is to report to Congress within 180 days of the enactment of H.R. 1333, assessing the feasibility and cost effectiveness of using the Civil Air Patrol in supporting homeland security missions. The report must also assess whether the current mechanisms through which Federal and State agencies request support from the Civil Air Patrol are sufficient or whether these agreements and channels are in need of updating.

The bill requires the Secretary of DHS to submit an additional report to Congress within 90 days of completion of the Comptroller General’s Civil Air Patrol Study. The Secretary’s report shall include a review of any conclusive findings by the Comptroller General and any recommendations the Secretary may have for further action.

BACKGROUND
The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296) was introduced by Rep. Dick Armey (R-TX) on June 6, 2002. President Bush signed the legislation into law on November 25, 2002. The Act established DHS as an executive department headed by the Secretary of Homeland Security, to be appointed by the President.

COST
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that it would cost less than $1 million in Fiscal Year 2009 for the Government Accountability Office and the Department of Homeland Security to complete the reports required by H.R. 1333, as amended.