Us Congress House Bill HB2674

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/7/25
• Refer: 4/7/25

Caption

Department of Homeland Security Climate Change Research Act

Impact

Should HB2674 be enacted, it would significantly influence the policies and operational capabilities of the Department of Homeland Security. By mandating research and evaluation of climate change's effects on emergency preparedness, the bill seeks to ensure that federal responses to disasters are adequately funded and structured to address the emerging challenges posed by climate change. This could lead to a more proactive stance in disaster management, aligning federal funding and resources with the realities of climate impact, thus enhancing the effectiveness of disaster response strategies.

Summary

House Bill 2674, known as the Department of Homeland Security Climate Change Research Act, aims to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 by requiring the Under Secretary for Science and Technology of the Department of Homeland Security to research and develop strategies to mitigate the identified and potential negative effects of climate change on homeland security. The bill is a response to growing concerns about the impact of climate change on national preparedness and response capabilities, particularly in the context of natural disasters and emergency planning.

Contention

Despite its focus on national security and disaster preparedness, the bill may encounter debate regarding the scope of research and the allocation of federal resources. Critics may argue about the prioritization of climate change research over other pressing security issues or existing operational needs within the department. Furthermore, the bill's requirement for consultation with various agencies, states, and local governments may also invite discussions on how effectively these relationships can facilitate meaningful research and actionable insights.