Sheila Jackson Lee: “As a senior member of the Homeland Security Committee, and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime…”

“As a senior member of the Homeland Security Committee, and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3505 the ``Fusion Center Enhancement Act,'' which would guarantee improvement of security for the Department of Homeland Security. This bill requires the Homeland Security Department to provide training to appropriate staff of the Department to determine eligibility for access to classified information. At least 88 DHS workers have been on administrative leave pending resolution of claims against them, according to the office of Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa). Four workers had been on leave for three years or more with another 17 on leave for two years or more. The 88 were placed on leave for a variety of reasons. Amongst those reasons it was noted that 13 were placed on leave due to security clearance issues. Earlier this year officials said that a database holding sensitive security clearance information on millions of prior, current, as well as potential federal employees and contractors was compromised, via a Chinese Breach. That database was also breached last year by the Chinese in a separate incident. The bill will ensure that: 1. The Secretary will review all sensitivity level designations of national security positions; 2. Access shall be administratively adjusted and an appropriate level periodic reinvestigation completed, as necessary; and 3.…”