PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Nov 19, 2020
Department of Homeland Security Reform Act of 2020 or the DHS Reform Act of 2020
This bill makes extensive changes to the structure of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and to the responsbilities of DHS components.
Specifically, the bill, among other things
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
creates a new Associate Secretary responsible for overseeing DHS's law enforcement functions;
modifies the responsibilities of the Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, including to engage with individuals and communities whose civil rights and liberties may be affected by DHS programs and activities;
directs DHS to establish an employee engagement steering committee to identify factors that have a negative impact on employee engagement, morale, and communications within DHS;
establishes within DHS a school security coordinating council;
requires that DHS's use-of-force policy be updated to emphasize de-escalation;
requires DHS to carry out an intelligence and cybersecurity diversity fellowship program;
grants rights to Transportation Security Administration officers under the federal personnel system; and
requires DHS to issue a DHS-wide strategy to enhance partnerships with historically black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutes that includes yearly goals.
People & committees
Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2] · D–MS
Legislative record
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Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Reform, the Judiciary, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Reform, the Judiciary, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Reform, the Judiciary, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Reform, the Judiciary, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Feb 4, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.8791 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.
Examine H.R.8791 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
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