PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 577.
Congressional Research Service
Version 25 · Reported to Senate · Nov 9, 2020
Supporting Research and Development for First Responders Act
This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to designate the National Urban Security Technology Laboratory as a science and technology laboratory responsible for testing and evaluating emerging technologies and conducting research and development to assist emergency response providers in preparing for, and protecting against, threats of terrorism.
The laboratory shall (1) conduct tests, evaluations, and assessments of current and emerging technologies for emergency response providers, including cybersecurity of such technologies that can connect to the internet; (2) conduct research and development on radiological and nuclear response and recovery; and (3) act as a technical advisor to emergency response providers.
People & committees
Rep. Rice, Kathleen M. [D-NY-4] · D–NY
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 577.
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Johnson with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 116-285.
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Johnson with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 116-285.
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 395 - 3 (Roll no. 242). (text: CR H4364)
House roll call 242 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 395 - 3 (Roll no. 242).(text: CR H4364)
House roll call 242 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4375-4376)
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 542.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4364-4365)
Miss Rice (NY) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 62.
Reported by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 116-87.
Reported by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 116-87.
Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Discharged.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation.
Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: May 28, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.542 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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