HR-615 : Became Public Law


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.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2015-07-06PresidentBecame Public Law No: 114-29.House floor actions
2015-07-06PresidentSigned by President.House floor actions
2015-06-24FloorPresented to President.House floor actions
2015-06-23ResolvingDifferencesMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
2015-06-23ResolvingDifferencesOn 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)House floor actions
2015-06-23FloorDEBATE - 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.House floor actions
2015-06-23ResolvingDifferencesMs. McSally moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment. (consideration: CR H4578-4579)House floor actions
2015-06-12FloorMessage on Senate action sent to the House.Senate
2015-06-11FloorPassed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4116-4117; text as passed Senate: CR S4116-4117)Senate
2015-05-21CalendarsPlaced on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 95.Senate
2015-05-21CommitteeCommittee 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.Senate
2015-03-04CommitteeCommittee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.Senate
2015-02-03IntroReferralReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.Senate
2015-02-02FloorMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
2015-02-02VoteOn 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)House floor actions
2015-02-02FloorConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H684-685)House floor actions
2015-02-02FloorAt 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.House floor actions
2015-02-02FloorDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 615.House floor actions
2015-02-02FloorConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H677-680)House floor actions
2015-02-02FloorMr. Carter (GA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.House floor actions
2015-02-02CommitteeReferred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications.House committee actions
2015-01-28IntroReferralReferred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.House floor actions
2015-01-28IntroReferralIntroduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Policy Area :

Emergency Management
Related Subjects
  • Administrative law and regulatory procedures
  • Broadcasting, cable, digital technologies
  • Congressional oversight
  • Emergency communications systems
  • Government studies and investigations
  • Internet, web applications, social media
  • Telephone and wireless communication
Related Geographic Entities
Related Organizations
  • Department of Homeland Security

Related Bills

See Related Bills