S-2522 : Still Just a Bill

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This Act shall be repealed seven years after its enactment.