Description:
As ordered reported by the House Committee on Homeland Security on June 6, 2012
H.R. 4251 would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to carry out two pilot programs relating to border and port security and would direct DHS and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to prepare several reports on improving port security. In addition, the legislation would authorize the appropriation of $4 million for a security program jointly operated by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Canadian government. H.R. 4251 also would direct DHS to make changes to procedures for issuing Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWICs) to individuals who require unescorted access to secure areas of ports and certain other facilities.
CBO estimates that implementing this legislation would cost $9 million over the next five years, assuming appropriation of the necessary amounts. Changes to the TWIC program could affect offsetting receipts and subsequent direct spending; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures apply. CBO estimates, however, that the net impact of any such effects would not be significant in any year. Enacting H.R. 4251 would not affect revenues.
H.R. 4251 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) and would not affect the budgets of state, local, or tribal governments.
