HR-4713 : Still Just a Bill

Department of Homeland Security Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Authorization Act

This bill makes changes to the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The bill expands the duties of the CRCL to include

  • integrating civil rights and civil liberties into all DHS programs and activities;
  • conducting civil rights and civil liberties impact assessments;
  • initiating reviews, assessments, and investigations of the administration of DHS programs and activities;
  • leading the equal employment opportunity programs of DHS; and
  • engaging with individuals and communities whose civil rights and civil liberties may be affected by DHS programs and activities.

The bill requires each operational component of DHS to designate an Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties to report to the CRCL.

The bill grants the CRCL the authority to issue subpoenas with the approval of the Secretary of DHS.

The CRCL must report annually to the President.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2020-10-19CalendarsPlaced on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 574.Senate
2020-10-19CommitteeCommittee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Johnson with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 116-280.Senate
2020-03-11CommitteeCommittee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.Senate
2019-12-10IntroReferralReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.Senate
2019-12-09FloorMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
2019-12-09FloorOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H9373-9374)House floor actions
2019-12-09FloorDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4713.House floor actions
2019-12-09FloorConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H9373-9376)House floor actions
2019-12-09FloorMs. Slotkin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.House floor actions
2019-11-19CalendarsPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 242.House floor actions
2019-11-19CommitteeReported (Amended) by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 116-300.House floor actions
2019-10-23CommitteeOrdered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.House committee actions
2019-10-23CommitteeCommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.House committee actions
2019-10-17IntroReferralReferred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.House floor actions
2019-10-17IntroReferralIntroduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Sponsor :

Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9]
See Cosponsors

Policy Area :

Government Operations and Politics
See Subjects
  • Administrative law and regulatory procedures
  • Congressional oversight
  • Department of Homeland Security
  • Employment discrimination and employee rights
  • Executive agency funding and structure
  • Federal officials
  • Foreign language and bilingual programs
  • Government ethics and transparency, public corruption
  • Government information and archives
  • Government studies and investigations
  • Right of privacy

Related Bills

See Related Bills