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Public Law114th CongressEmergency Management
H.R. 615Became Law

Department of Homeland Security Interoperable Communications Act

This bill became law

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What it doesSummary public law (Jul 6, 2015)

(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the Senate on May 21, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Department of Homeland Security Interoperable Communications Act or the DHS Interoperable Communications Act

(Sec. 3) Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to make the Under Secretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responsible for policies and directives to achieve and maintain interoperable communications among DHS components.

(Sec. 4) Requires the Under Secretary to submit to the House and Senate homeland security committees a strategy for achieving and maintaining such communications, including for daily operations, planned events, and emergencies, that includes:

  • an assessment of interoperability gaps in radio communications among the DHS components;
  • information on DHS efforts and activities, since November 1, 2012, and planned, to achieve and maintain interoperable communications;
  • an assessment of obstacles and challenges to achieving and maintaining interoperable communications;
  • information on, and an assessment of, the adequacy of mechanisms available to the Under Secretary to enforce and compel compliance with interoperable communications policies and directives of DHS;
  • guidance provided to DHS components to implement such policies and directives;
  • the total amount of DHS expenditures since November 1, 2012, and projected future expenditures to achieve interoperable communications; and
  • dates upon which DHS-wide interoperability is projected to be achieved for voice, data, and video communications, respectively, and interim milestones.

Directs the Under Secretary to submit with such strategy information on: (1) any intra-agency effort or task force that has been delegated responsibilities relating to achieving and maintaining interoperable communications by such dates; and (2) who, within each component, is responsible for implementing policies and directives issued by the Under Secretary to achieve and maintain interoperable communications.

(Sec. 5) Directs the Under Secretary, within 100 days after the strategy is submitted and every 2 years thereafter for 6 years, to submit reports on the status of efforts to implement such strategy, including: (1) progress on interim milestones; (2) information on establishment by the Under Secretary of, and compliance of DHS components with, policies, directives, guidance, and training to achieve and maintain interoperable communications; and (3) information on any additional resources or authorities needed by the Under Secretary.

What just happenedJul 6, 2015

Became Public Law No: 114-29.

Who’s behind it

Rep. Payne, Donald M., Jr. [D-NJ-10](D-NJ)Sponsor
4 cosponsors1 D3 R
Read on Congress.gov
4cosponsors2committees31actions9subjects
  1. Jul 6, 2015President

    Became Public Law No: 114-29.

  2. Jul 6, 2015BecameLaw36000

    Became Public Law No: 114-29.

  3. Jul 6, 2015President

    Signed by President.

  4. Jul 6, 2015BecameLaw36000

    Signed by President.

  5. Jun 24, 2015Floor

    Presented to President.

  6. Jun 24, 2015President28000

    Presented to President.

  7. Jun 23, 2015ResolvingDifferencesH41931

    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  8. Jun 23, 2015ResolvingDifferencesH41610

    On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote. (text as House agreed to Senate amendment: CR H4578)

  9. Jun 23, 2015NotUsed19500

    Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.(text as House agreed to Senate amendment: CR H4578)

  10. Jun 23, 2015FloorH8D000

    DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 615.

  11. Jun 23, 2015ResolvingDifferencesH40140

    Ms. McSally moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment. (consideration: CR H4578-4579)

  12. Jun 12, 2015Floor

    Message on Senate action sent to the House.

  13. Jun 11, 2015Floor

    Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4116-4117; text as passed Senate: CR S4116-4117)

  14. Jun 11, 2015Floor17000

    Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S4116-4117; text as passed Senate: CR S4116-4117)

  15. May 21, 2015Calendars

    Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 95.

  16. May 21, 2015Committee

    Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Johnson with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 114-53.

    Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
  17. May 21, 2015Committee14000

    Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Johnson with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 114-53.

    Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
  18. Mar 4, 2015Committee

    Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

    Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
  19. Feb 3, 2015IntroReferral

    Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

    Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
  20. Feb 2, 2015FloorH38310

    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  21. Feb 2, 2015FloorH37300

    On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 379 - 0 (Roll no. 52). (text: CR H677-678)

  22. Feb 2, 2015Floor8000

    Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 379 - 0 (Roll no. 52).(text: CR H677-678)

  23. Feb 2, 2015FloorH30000

    Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H684-685)

  24. Feb 2, 2015FloorH37220

    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.

  25. Feb 2, 2015FloorH8D000

    DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 615.

  26. Feb 2, 2015FloorH30000

    Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H677-680)

  27. Feb 2, 2015FloorH30300

    Mr. Carter (GA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

  28. Feb 2, 2015Committee

    Referred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications.

    Emergency Management and Technology Subcommittee
  29. Jan 28, 2015IntroReferralH11100

    Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.

    Homeland Security Committee
  30. Jan 28, 2015IntroReferralIntro-H

    Introduced in House

  31. Jan 28, 2015IntroReferral1000

    Introduced in House

Public LawJul 6, 201549

(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the Senate on May 21, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Department of Homeland Security Interoperable Communications Act or the DHS Interoperable Communications Act

(Sec. 3) Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to make the Under Secretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responsible for policies and directives to achieve and maintain interoperable communications among DHS components.

(Sec. 4) Requires the Under Secretary to submit to the House and Senate homeland security committees a strategy for achieving and maintaining such communications, including for daily operations, planned events, and emergencies, that includes:

  • an assessment of interoperability gaps in radio communications among the DHS components;
  • information on DHS efforts and activities, since November 1, 2012, and planned, to achieve and maintain interoperable communications;
  • an assessment of obstacles and challenges to achieving and maintaining interoperable communications;
  • information on, and an assessment of, the adequacy of mechanisms available to the Under Secretary to enforce and compel compliance with interoperable communications policies and directives of DHS;
  • guidance provided to DHS components to implement such policies and directives;
  • the total amount of DHS expenditures since November 1, 2012, and projected future expenditures to achieve interoperable communications; and
  • dates upon which DHS-wide interoperability is projected to be achieved for voice, data, and video communications, respectively, and interim milestones.

Directs the Under Secretary to submit with such strategy information on: (1) any intra-agency effort or task force that has been delegated responsibilities relating to achieving and maintaining interoperable communications by such dates; and (2) who, within each component, is responsible for implementing policies and directives issued by the Under Secretary to achieve and maintain interoperable communications.

(Sec. 5) Directs the Under Secretary, within 100 days after the strategy is submitted and every 2 years thereafter for 6 years, to submit reports on the status of efforts to implement such strategy, including: (1) progress on interim milestones; (2) information on establishment by the Under Secretary of, and compliance of DHS components with, policies, directives, guidance, and training to achieve and maintain interoperable communications; and (3) information on any additional resources or authorities needed by the Under Secretary.

Passed Senate amendedJun 11, 201535

(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the Senate on May 21, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Department of Homeland Security Interoperable Communications Act or the DHS Interoperable Communications Act

(Sec. 3) Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to make the Under Secretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responsible for policies and directives to achieve and maintain interoperable communications among DHS components.

(Sec. 4) Requires the Under Secretary to submit to the House and Senate homeland security committees a strategy for achieving and maintaining such communications, including for daily operations, planned events, and emergencies, that includes:

  • an assessment of interoperability gaps in radio communications among the DHS components;
  • information on DHS efforts and activities, since November 1, 2012, and planned, to achieve and maintain interoperable communications;
  • an assessment of obstacles and challenges to achieving and maintaining interoperable communications;
  • information on, and an assessment of, the adequacy of mechanisms available to the Under Secretary to enforce and compel compliance with interoperable communications policies and directives of DHS;
  • guidance provided to DHS components to implement such policies and directives;
  • the total amount of DHS expenditures since November 1, 2012, and projected future expenditures to achieve interoperable communications; and
  • dates upon which DHS-wide interoperability is projected to be achieved for voice, data, and video communications, respectively, and interim milestones.

Directs the Under Secretary to submit with such strategy information on: (1) any intra-agency effort or task force that has been delegated responsibilities relating to achieving and maintaining interoperable communications by such dates; and (2) who, within each component, is responsible for implementing policies and directives issued by the Under Secretary to achieve and maintain interoperable communications.

(Sec. 5) Directs the Under Secretary, within 100 days after the strategy is submitted and every 2 years thereafter for 6 years, to submit reports on the status of efforts to implement such strategy, including: (1) progress on interim milestones; (2) information on establishment by the Under Secretary of, and compliance of DHS components with, policies, directives, guidance, and training to achieve and maintain interoperable communications; and (3) information on any additional resources or authorities needed by the Under Secretary.

Reported to Senate with amendment(s)May 21, 20151

Department of Homeland Security Interoperable Communications Act or the DHS Interoperable Communications Act

(Sec. 3) Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to make the Under Secretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responsible for policies and directives to achieve and maintain interoperable communications among DHS components.

(Sec. 4) Requires the Under Secretary to submit to the House and Senate homeland security committees a strategy for achieving and maintaining such communications, including for daily operations, planned events, and emergencies, that includes:

  • an assessment of interoperability gaps in radio communications among the DHS components;
  • information on DHS efforts and activities, since November 1, 2012, and planned, to achieve and maintain interoperable communications;
  • an assessment of obstacles and challenges to achieving and maintaining interoperable communications;
  • information on, and an assessment of, the adequacy of mechanisms available to the Under Secretary to enforce and compel compliance with interoperable communications policies and directives of DHS;
  • guidance provided to DHS components to implement such policies and directives;
  • the total amount of DHS expenditures since November 1, 2012, and projected future expenditures to achieve interoperable communications; and
  • dates upon which DHS-wide interoperability is projected to be achieved for voice, data, and video communications, respectively, and interim milestones.

Directs the Under Secretary to submit with such strategy information on: (1) any intra-agency effort or task force that has been delegated responsibilities relating to achieving and maintaining interoperable communications by such dates; and (2) who, within each component, is responsible for implementing policies and directives issued by the Under Secretary to achieve and maintain interoperable communications.

(Sec. 5) Directs the Under Secretary, within 100 days after the strategy is submitted and every 2 years thereafter for 6 years, to submit reports on the status of efforts to implement such strategy, including: (1) progress on interim milestones; (2) information on establishment by the Under Secretary of, and compliance of DHS components with, policies, directives, guidance, and training to achieve and maintain interoperable communications; and (3) information on any additional resources or authorities needed by the Under Secretary.

Passed House without amendmentFeb 2, 201581

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Department of Homeland Security Interoperable Communications Act or the DHS Interoperable Communications Act

(Sec. 2) Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to make the Under Secretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responsible for policies and directives to achieve and maintain interoperable communications among DHS components.

(Sec. 3) Requires the Under Secretary to submit to the House and Senate homeland security committees a strategy for achieving and maintaining such communications, including for daily operations, planned events, and emergencies, that includes:

  • an assessment of interoperability gaps in radio communications among the DHS components;
  • information on DHS efforts and activities, since November 1, 2012, and planned, to achieve and maintain interoperable communications;
  • an assessment of obstacles and challenges to achieving and maintaining interoperable communications;
  • information on, and an assessment of, the adequacy of mechanisms available to the Under Secretary to enforce and compel compliance with interoperable communications policies and directives of DHS;
  • guidance provided to DHS components to implement such policies and directives;
  • the total amount of DHS expenditures, since November 1, 2012, and projected, to achieve interoperable communications; and
  • dates upon which DHS-wide interoperability is projected to be achieved for voice, data, and video communications, respectively, and interim milestones.

Directs the Under Secretary to submit with such strategy information on any intra-agency effort or task force that has been delegated responsibilities relating to achieving and maintaining interoperable communications by such dates and on who, within each component, is responsible for implementing policies and directives to achieve and maintain interoperable communications.

(Sec. 4) Directs the Under Secretary to submit biannual reports on the status of efforts to implement such strategy, including information on any additional resources or authorities needed.

Introduced in HouseJan 28, 2015

Department of Homeland Security Interoperable Communications Act or the DHS Interoperable Communications Act

Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to make the Under Secretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responsible for policies and directives to achieve and maintain interoperable communications among DHS components.

Requires the Under Secretary to submit to the House and Senate homeland security committees a strategy for achieving and maintaining such communications, including for daily operations, planned events, and emergencies, that includes:

  • an assessment of interoperability gaps in radio communications among the DHS components;
  • information on DHS efforts and activities, since November 1, 2012, and planned, to achieve and maintain interoperable communications;
  • an assessment of obstacles and challenges to achieving and maintaining interoperable communications;
  • information on, and an assessment of, the adequacy of mechanisms available to the Under Secretary to enforce and compel compliance with interoperable communications policies and directives of DHS;
  • guidance provided to DHS components to implement such policies and directives;
  • the total amount of DHS expenditures, since November 1, 2012, and projected, to achieve interoperable communications; and
  • dates upon which DHS-wide interoperability is projected to be achieved for voice, data, and video communications, respectively, and interim milestones.

Directs the Under Secretary to submit with such strategy information on any intra-agency effort or task force that has been delegated responsibilities relating to achieving and maintaining interoperable communications by such dates and on who, within each component, is responsible for implementing policies and directives to achieve and maintain interoperable communications.

Directs the Under Secretary to submit biannual reports on the status of efforts to implement such strategy, including information on any additional resources or authorities needed.

Department of Homeland Security Interoperable Communications Act — Informed