HR-6198 : Still Just a Bill

Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Act of 2018

This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) a Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office, headed by an Assistant Secretary. The Assistant Secretary shall serve as the principal advisor to DHS on weapons of mass destruction matters and strategies, and on coordinating efforts to counter weapons of mass destruction.

The office shall coordinate DHS strategy and policy to plan, detect, and protect against the importation, possession, storage, transportation, development, or use of unauthorized chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear materials, devices, or agents.

The Assistant Secretary shall establish the Securing the Cities program to detect and prevent terrorist attacks and other high consequence events utilizing nuclear or other radiological materials that pose a high risk to homeland security in high-risk urban areas.

The bill establishes in the office a Chief Medical Officer who shall serve as the principal advisor to DHS on medical and public health issues.

DHS shall transfer to the office all personnel, budget authority, and assets of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office and the Office of Health Affairs.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2018-09-17IntroReferralReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.Senate
2018-09-12FloorMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
2018-09-12FloorOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H8113-8115)House floor actions
2018-09-12FloorDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6198.House floor actions
2018-09-12FloorConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H8113-8117)House floor actions
2018-09-12FloorMr. Donovan moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.House floor actions
2018-09-07CalendarsPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 716.House floor actions
2018-09-07DischargeCommittee on Energy and Commerce discharged.House floor actions
2018-09-07CommitteeReported (Amended) by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 115-923, Part I.House floor actions
2018-07-24CommitteeOrdered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.House committee actions
2018-07-24CommitteeCommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.House committee actions
2018-07-24CommitteeSubcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications Discharged.House committee actions
2018-07-16CommitteeReferred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications.House committee actions
2018-06-22IntroReferralReferred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.House floor actions
2018-06-22IntroReferralReferred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.House floor actions
2018-06-22IntroReferralIntroduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Policy Area :

Emergency Management
See Subjects
  • Chemical and biological weapons
  • Congressional oversight
  • Emergency medical services and trauma care
  • Emergency planning and evacuation
  • Executive agency funding and structure
  • Federal officials
  • Federal-Indian relations
  • Health personnel
  • Intergovernmental relations
  • Nuclear weapons
  • State and local government operations
  • Terrorism
  • Urban and suburban affairs and development
  • Department of Homeland Security

Related Bills

See Related Bills