H.R. 5094, Enhancing Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative Act

Floor Situation

On Monday, June 25, 2018, the House will consider H.R. 5094, the Enhancing Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative Act, under suspension of the rules. This bill was introduced on February 26, 2018 by Rep. Peter King (R-NY) and was referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security, which ordered the bill reported by unanimous consent on March 19, 2018.

Summary

H.R. 5094 directs the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a strategy for improving operations and activities relating to training, outreach, and information sharing for suspicious activity reporting to prevents acts of terrorism. In addition, the legislation requires the creation of a suspicious activity reporting working group to develop recommendations for improvement that will be utilized to develop a strategy.

Background

Federal, state, and local law enforcement entities rely on suspicious activity reporting (SAR) and the See Something Say Something campaign for possible indicators of terrorism and other threats to public safety.

The Committee on Homeland Security has released a series of reports identifying recommendations to strengthen the federal government’s counterterrorism efforts. Of those recommendations, efforts to educate the public on terrorist threats, which included refining and evaluating the National Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative were emphasized. In addition, the reports recommended DHS ensure fusion centers have access to federal databases with SAR information and the Department provide additional training and assistance to address program gaps within the Nationwide SARS Initiative.[1]

At a recent Committee hearing, the Department testified that since 2010, more than 100,000 SARs have been submitted, of which 1,200 initiated a new FBI investigation or enhanced an existing one.  Additionally, over 1,000 SARs during the same time period led to terrorism watchlist enhancements.[2]

Cost

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that enacting this legislation would not has a significant effect on spending.

Staff Contact

For questions or further information please contact Jake Vreeburg with the House Republican Policy Committee by email or at 2-1374.