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Bill > S2522
US S2522
US S2522A bill to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to build partnerships to prevent violence by extremists.
summary
Introduced
02/09/2016
02/09/2016
In Committee
02/10/2016
02/10/2016
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/03/2017
01/03/2017
Introduced Session
114th Congress
Bill Summary
A bill to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to build partnerships to prevent violence by extremists. This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) the Office for Partnerships Against Violent Extremism (the Office), to be headed by an Assistant Secretary. The Assistant Secretary shall be responsible for: leading DHS efforts to counter violent extremism; developing a digital engagement strategy that expands DHS outreach efforts to counter violent extremist messaging by exploring ways to utilize relevant technologies and social media platforms and maximizing other resources available to DHS; serving as DHS's primary representative in coordinating countering violent extremism efforts with other federal agencies and nongovernmental organizations; serving as the primary DHS-level representative in coordinating with the Department of State on international countering violent extremism issues; providing guidance, in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), regarding the use of grants made to state, local, and tribal governments under the allowable uses guidelines related to countering violent extremism; developing a plan to expand philanthropic support for domestic efforts related to countering violent extremism; and administering grants to counter violent extremism. The Assistant Secretary, in coordination with FEMA and the Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties of DHS, shall establish, and provide an implementation plan for, a grant program to assist eligible community groups and organizations in establishing counter-messaging campaigns targeting violent extremism and to strengthen community programs to counter violent extremism. The Secretary of DHS shall submit to Congress a comprehensive DHS strategy and an implementation plan to counter violent extremism in the United States. The Assistant Secretary must submit annual reports on DHS and Office programs, policies, and efforts to counter violent extremism. The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties shall conduct annual reviews to ensure that all Office activities related to countering violent extremism respect the privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties of all persons. This Act shall be repealed seven years after its enactment.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Office for Partnerships Against Violent Extremism within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), led by an Assistant Secretary, to coordinate efforts to prevent violence by extremists. This office will be responsible for leading DHS's counter-extremism initiatives, developing digital strategies to counter extremist messaging online, coordinating with other federal agencies and non-governmental organizations, and working with the Department of State on international issues. It will also provide guidance on the use of grants for countering violent extremism and develop a plan to increase philanthropic support for these domestic efforts. Furthermore, the bill mandates the creation of a grant program to help community groups develop counter-messaging campaigns and strengthen community programs, with a prohibition on funding groups that knowingly support violent extremist activities. The Secretary of DHS must submit a comprehensive strategy and implementation plan to Congress, and the Assistant Secretary will provide annual reports on the office's activities. The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties will conduct annual reviews to ensure all activities respect privacy and civil liberties. This new office and its associated provisions will be repealed seven years after the bill's enactment.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 552. (on 07/11/2016)
Official Document
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