Carter Announces Fiscal Year 2018 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill
Today, Rep. John R. Carter (R-TX-31), Chairman of the House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee, released the proposed fiscal year 2018 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations bill. The bill provides for critical programs such as border and immigration enforcement, customs activities, protection against cyberterrorism, aviation security, natural disaster response, and efforts to stop the smuggling of drugs and people into the U.S. The legislation includes $1.6 billion for construction of a wall and other physical barriers along the U.S. southern border. In total, the legislation directs $44.3 billion in discretionary funding for DHS, an increase of $1.9 billion above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. While we are increasing funding in some areas, this bill includes several provisions to save taxpayer dollars and increase accountability at DHS by requiring extensive reporting, including spending plans and benchmarks, to ensure funds are being spent appropriately and as intended.