Weekly Update & AnalysisThe Brooks Bawden Moore Weekly Update and Analysis highlights the previous week's floor and committee activities with the US Senate and House of Representatives, and this week's congressional activities that relate to law enforcement and homeland security matters. The weekly update also lists legislation introduced which may be of interest to the law enforcement and homeland security communities. Please let us know if you would like to know more about any of the items
described in the update. Additionally, please feel free to distribute this product as you see fit. |
This week, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy proposed a plan to raise the US debt limit, setting up a House vote next week. The plan would increase the debt ceiling by $1.5 trillion, enough to hold off US payment defaults until at least March 2024. The plan would limit FY 24 spending to FY 22 levels. Future spending increases would be capped at a 1% annual growth rate for the following decade. Since the plan also
contains republican policy priorities on work requirements for government aid, Covid-19 funds, and energy policy, Senate Leader Chuck Schumer said the plan does not have a chance of passing the upper chamber. Meanwhile, congressional committees continue to scrutinize the President's FY 24 budget proposal and held several hearings this week to discuss budget priorities for departments and agencies like DHS, ATF, and ICE. The Senate confirmed Amy Lefkowitz Solomon to lead the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs. The Senate also passed the Fire Grants
and Safety Act, a bipartisan bill to extend federal programs that help support local fire departments across the country. The House
Judiciary Committee approved an expansive border and immigration bill, H.R. 2640, the Border Security and Enforcement Act of 2023. The bill aims to increase immigrant detention, crack down on the employment of undocumented workers and tighten asylum access, among other reforms. The House
Homeland Security Committee is working on related legislation and House Republicans are eyeing a floor vote on an overall package next month. |
Ultra Forensic Technology is the leading technology provider for automated firearm and ballistic identification and the creator of IBIS, the Integrated Ballistic Identification System. IBIS is used by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and in more than 80 countries to combat and prevent violent gun crime. IBIS technology finds the “needle in the haystack” by suggesting possible matches
between pairs of spent bullets and cartridge cases — at speeds well beyond human capacity. IBIS helps give investigators timely leads and information about crimes, guns, and suspects. Because criminals ignore jurisdictional boundaries, IBIS also helps reveal previously hidden connections between violent crimes across a region. This is accomplished through the sharing and comparison of ballistic evidence across a local, national, and even international network of sites. This gives
public safety agencies unprecedented access to information that will help them quickly solve firearm-related crimes and bring the perpetrator to justice.
Eastern Kentucky law enforcement agencies including the Somerset Police Department are eager to use the
new mobile NIBIN unit that is now available to them thanks to the Appalachia HIDTA and ATF. Kentucky has existing NIBIN sites in Lexington, Louisville, and Madisonville. Now, the rest of the state will have quicker access to investigative leads in crime gun investigations.
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Last month, Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) welcomed Director Steve Dettelbach of ATF and Director Karhlton
Moore of BJA to Wichita State University in Kansas to discuss crime gun analysis and intelligence. The trio discussed the importance of the NIBIN program and the creation of a new National Forensic Laboratory at WSU.
This week, Dubai police integrated its ULTRA based Ballistic Identification Network with Interpol's database, becoming the first Arab law enforcement agency to link ballistic fingerprints with Interpol's database. This significant partnership allows Dubai police to identify the type of firearm and determine the suspect’s identity, providing material evidence to support ongoing investigations and better solve
criminal cases.
New myMcmtech Mobile App Takes Mission-Critical
Asset Management to New Level The developer of public safety’s premier asset, inventory, and work order management
software is further innovating this space with the release of its myMcmtech mobile app, connecting users to mission-critical management solutions right from their pockets. Tracking, managing, and maintaining mission-critical assets and inventory requires a higher level of functionality and reliability than traditional tools like spreadsheets and binders. Mcmtech’s solutions are specifically designed to meet those needs so that public safety agencies, as well as other industries managing performance-vital equipment, can easily and intuitively optimize the life and use of serialized assets and consumable inventories. Managing these items will be even easier with the new myMcmtech mobile app, which lets users interact with their Mcmtech solution through readily available mobile devices. Working closely with their customers, the app’s developers designed it around the functionalities most useful on-the-go, such as equipment audit check-ins, item/work order request and fulfillment, screen signature capture, and mobile camera barcode screening.
Hearings This Week- House Judiciary Committee
- House Appropriations Committee
- House Homeland Security Committee
- House Appropriations Committee
- Senate Homeland Security Committee
- House Appropriations Committee
- House Homeland Security Committee
- House Appropriations Committee
- House Energy and Commerce Committee
Hearings Next Week- House Judiciary Committee
- Senate Homeland Security Committee
- House Judiciary Committee
- House Judiciary Committee
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Senate House - H.J. Res 42
- Bill Summary: This Joint Resolution nullifies the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022, enacted by the Council of the District of Columbia. The act sets forth a variety of measures that focus on policing, including
measures prohibiting the use of certain neck restraints by law enforcement officers, requiring additional procedures related to body-worn cameras, and expanding access to police disciplinary records.
- Bill Status: Passed House 229-189. Sent to Senate for Consideration
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- H.R. 2722
- Sponsor: Rep. Scott
Peters (D-CA-50)
- Summary: This bill would establish a grant pilot program to provide childcare services for the minor children of law enforcement officers to accommodate the shift work and abnormal work hours.
- S. 1200
- Sponsor: Sen. Marsha
Blackburn (R-TN)
- Summary: This bill would establish a Federal grant program to combat the smuggling and trafficking of children and young women
- S. 1199- Stop Child Sexual Abuse Materials Act (CSAM)
- Sponsor: Sen. Dick Durbin
(D-IL)
- Summary: This bill would reform section 230 of the communications decency act to create responsibilities and liabilities for big tech companies handling of child sexual abuse materials on their platforms.
- S. 1196
- Sponsor: Sen. Ed
Markey (D-MA)
- Summary: This bill would eliminate the defense of "qualified immunity" in any case of action under Section 1979.
- H.R. 2698
- Sponsor: Rep. David Trone (D-MD-6)
- Summary: This bill would condition eligibility for grants
under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.
- H.R. 2677
- Sponsor: Rep. David Joyce (R-OH-14)
- Summary: This bill would authorize the Attorney General to make grants to States and units of local government to reduce
the financial and administrative burden of expunging convictions for cannabis offenses.
- S. 1175
- Sponsor: Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
- Summary: This bill would establish incentive pay for positions requiring specialized skills to combat
fentanyl trafficking.
- H.R. 2661
- Sponsor: Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25)
- Summary: This bill would reauthorize and update the Project Safe Childhood program.
- S. 1170
- Sponsor: Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX)
- Summary: This bill would reauthorize and update the Project Safe Childhood program.
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Community and Client News
Department of Homeland Security Submits the Third Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR) to Congress The Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR) is the Department of Homeland Security's capstone strategy document, which is updated every four years as required by law. The report offers recommendations on long-term strategy and priorities for homeland security. Each QHSR cycle entails an extensive three-year-long review process before the
report is finalized and submitted to Congress. The Department works with a wide range of stakeholders inside and outside government, who share responsibility for safeguarding the Homeland. The QHSR will provide the strategic foundation to ensure that the Department is ready to meet future challenges and carry out its mission.
DIRECTOR OF THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA INTELLIGENCE
CENTER
The Central California Intelligence Center (CCIC), one of the 80 recognized fusion centers in the country, is searching for a new director. Under the direction of the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy of Contract and Regional Services, in accordance with the CCIC Governance Board, the Contractor coordinates, facilitates, monitors, and manages the daily operations of the Fusion Center’s Area of
Responsibility.
2023 Comprehensive Opioid,Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP) National Forum- Call for Proposals America’s substance use crisis is a public safety and public health emergency that threatens the well-being of individuals who misuse drugs as well as their families, communities, and, ultimately, the nation. It impacts first responders, the criminal justice system, child welfare and foster care, behavioral health
systems, and victim service providers. Supporting the field in addressing this epidemic is one of the U.S. Department of Justice’s top priorities and, at the center of this response, is the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s (BJA) Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program (COSSAP)—which is transitioning to the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP). Learn more at www.cossapresources.org. On August 29–31 in the Washington, DC, area, as part
of the national-level conversation on this American challenge, the 2023 COSSUP National Forum will convene hundreds of
practitioners, agency and community leaders, service providers, and innovators from across public safety and public health disciplines and levels of government to reverse the tide of the substance use crisis. The theme for the event is COSSUP: Championing the Power of Recoveryand Hope. Recognizing that some of the most promising solutions are likely already at work across the country, a number of spotlight presentations are being solicited from the field. The deadline for submissions is April 28, 2023. Read the submission guidelines here
Donald Mihalek, Executive Vice President, of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association Foundation Pens Op-Ed Encouraging Support for the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Reform Act (HR 354) Reintroduced earlier this year, the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Reform Act (H.R. 354) would continue to clarify the intent of Congress for LEOSA by stating that LEOSA-qualified off-duty and retired law enforcement officers can legally carry in gun-free school zones, on common carriers
(buses, trains, and boats), in National Parks, and in certain federal facilities such as courts. It would also clarify the qualification requirements so that LEOSA-qualified officers aren’t forced, as they are in some states, to complete SWAT-level qualifications to carry in retirement. |
- Grants.gov Deadline: June 13, 2023
- JustGrants Deadline: June 20, 2023
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Official Podcast of the Office of Justice Programs New Episode: Building More Reliable Forensic Sciences The scientific basis of several aspects of forensic evidence was first called into question by the 2009 National Research Council report. That report had an immediate impact on law enforcement, crime labs, courtrooms, and the broader scientific community. David Stoney, Chief Scientist and head of Stoney Forensics in Chantilly, VA, and Greg Dutton, program manager and physical scientist with NIJ’s Office of Investigative and Forensic
Sciences, join host Jim Dawson to discuss the concerted effort in many fields of forensics — ballistics, trace evidence, fingerprints, and more — to improve the science underlying forensic evidence in the wake of the 2009 report.
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Sentencing policy sparks clash over future criminal justice bills
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A federal agency has given judges a new tool to reduce unusually long sentences for some prisoners if there is a change
in a law, an approach Republican senators warned will hamper, if not destroy, the possibility of future criminal justice legislation.
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What could make a hoax call reporting a school shooting worse? Social Media
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Swatting calls are an epidemic and can be deadly. In some instances where SWAT teams are called in under false
pretenses, innocent people have been shot or killed by accident.
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The NYPD Can Now Shoot GPS Trackers at Your Car
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The launcher is called the Guardian-HX, made by a company called StarChase. It’s meant to create an alternative to the
standard police pursuit, allowing cops to remotely track a fleeing vehicle without sending a squad of interceptors to tail it.
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El Chapo sons among 28 Sinaloa cartel members charged by US
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The Justice Department on Friday announced charges against more than two dozen members of Mexico’s powerful Sinaloa
cartel, including sons of notorious drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, in a sprawling fentanyl-trafficking investigation.
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Mental health crisis response pilot expands, despite ongoing struggles
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NYC Mayor Eric Adams is forging ahead with plans to make B-HEARD available citywide, even as the program struggles to
recruit staff.
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2 shootings at mistaken addresses renew the focus on controversial self-defense laws
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The recent shootings of two people who accidentally came to the wrong address — a 16-year-old boy in Kansas City and a
20-year-old woman in rural New York — have renewed concerns over controversial self-defense laws, including "stand your ground" statutes.
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National Fusion Center Association Annual Training Event Alexandria, Virginia — Apr. 24-27, 2023 | | |
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2023 IALEIA/LEIU Annual Training Conference Las Vegas, Nevada — Apr. 30- May 5, 2023 | | |
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2023 ASCIA Spring Conference Nashville, Tennessee — May 1- May 3, 2023 | | |
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IACP Technology Conference Salt Lake City, Utah — May 22- May 24, 2023 | | |
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Major County Sheriffs of America Summer Conference Santa Barbara, California —Jun.12-Jun 14, 2023 | | |
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2023 National Sheriffs Association Annual Conference Grand Rapids,Michigan —Jun.26-Jun 29, 2023 | | |
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2023 Small & Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association Annual
Conference & Training Petersburg,Virginia — Jul. 31-Aug. 2, 2023 | | |
Brooks Bawden Moore, LLC is a team of experienced professionals who serve as trusted advisors to law enforcement, homeland security, and intelligence practitioners and solution providers. Our government relations practice helps clients advance critical policy priorities with Congress, federal agencies, and state legislatures. Our business strategy consulting practice enables companies to connect innovative products and services with market needs.
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