The Council's congressional activities focus on developing and nurturing a strong ongoing dialogue between industry leaders and key Members of Congress, their senior committee staff, and legislative officials from the relevant federal agencies on the vital policy issues impacting the homeland security mission.
Council members participate in discussions and activities that allow for a better understanding of government's priority issues of concern, as well as facilitate the sharing of industry's varied points of view on those matters.
The Council’s congressional engagement includes:
Meet and Greet Policy Discussions – These informal conversations with Members of Congress from the relevant homeland security committees give Council senior executives the opportunity to hear their legislative priorities and share our industry viewpoints and perspectives. Past discussions have been held with:
Rep. Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM) and Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI)
Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) and Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-AZ)
Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) and Rep. Barry Loudermilk, (R-GA)
U.S. Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS)
Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA) and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ)
U.S. Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-SC) and U.S. Rep. Steve Daines (R-MT)
U.S. Rep. Ron Estes (R-GA)
Industry-Government Receptions – These receptions give high-level industry executives and government officials an opportunity to meet one another in an informal environment.
Public Policy Discussions – These meetings are held with senior congressional staff from the homeland security committees and key legislative officials from DHS to provide Council leaders and SMEs the opportunity to share perspectives on legislative priorities and industry’s point of view.
Congressional Staff Briefings and Meetings – The Council maintains a close relationship with congressional staff tasked with overseeing the homeland security legislative agenda and is regularly asked to provide subject matter input on critical issues affecting the homeland security enterprise. Additionally, the Council hosted a congressional staff briefing in coordination with the bi-partisan House Ports Opportunity, Renewal, Trade, and Security (PORTS) Caucus, involving a panel of our maritime security subject matter expects.
Congressional Testimony – Although the Council is a bi-partisan, non-lobbying organization, we have testified at numerous hearings to provide industry’s perspective on critical issues surrounding homeland security. The Council membership provides input and expert advice for its testimonies. Some of the hearings include:
“Doing Business with DHS: Industry Recommendations to Improve Contractor Employee Vetting” - U.S House of Representative’s Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency
“Making DHS More Efficient: Industry Recommendations to Improve Homeland Security” - U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency
“Examining DHS Science and Technology Directorate’s Engagement with Academia and Industry”- U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies
“Stakeholder Perspectives on TSA Acquisition Reform” – U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Transportation Security
“TSA Reform: Exploring Innovations in Technology Procurement to Stimulate Job Growth, Part II”– U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Transportation Security
“Homeland Security Contracting: Does the Department Effectively Leverage Emerging Technologies?” – U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Management
“Unlocking the SAFETY Act’s Potential to Promote Technology and Combat Terrorism” – U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies
