H.R. 2283, Department of Homeland Security Morale, Recognition, Learning and Engagement Act of 2017

Floor Situation

On Tuesday, June 20, 2017, the House will consider H.R. 2283, Department of Homeland Security Moral, Recognition, Learning and Engagement Act of 2017, under suspension of the rules.  H.R. 2283 was introduced on May 2, 2017, by Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS) and was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, which ordered the bill reported on May 3, 2017 by voice vote.

Summary

H.R. 2283 seeks to improve morale within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) workforce by conferring new responsibilities to the Chief Human Capital Officer, establishing an employee engagement steering committee, requiring action plans, and authorizing an annual nonmonetary employee award program. The bill also requires a GAO report on the consistency and fairness of disciplinary actions imposed on DHS employees.

Specifically, the bill amends the responsibilities of the Chief Human Capital Officer to include measures to increase leader development and employee engagement, and also allows the Chief Human Capital Officer to designate an employee to serve as Chief Learning and Engagement Officer to assist with these responsibilities.

Additionally, the bill establishes an employee engagement steering committee, including representatives from operations components, supervisory and non-supervisory personnel, and employee labor organizations, to develop employee engagement and morale within the Department.

The bill also allows the Secretary to establish an annual, non-monetary, employee award program to recognize employees for contributions to the Department’s goals and missions.

Background

The Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) measures the engagement potential of an agency’s work environment and the conditions that lead to engagement.[1] The survey analyzes three factors that contribute to employee engagement including, leaders lead, supervisors, and intrinsic work experience. [2]  According to the survey, the Department of Homeland Security was listed as one of the worst large government agencies to work for based on employee engagement, ranking 36 out of 37 agencies.[3] As of 2016, the Department’s score on employee engagement was listed at 56%.[4]

Cost

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that implementing the bill would cost about $1 million in FY 2018 for the GAO report and DHS administrative tasks.

Staff Contact

For questions or further information please contact Dominique Yantko with the House Republican Policy Committee by email or at 3-1555.