Securing the Cities Improvement Act
The Securing the Cities Improvement Act would modify the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to alter how the Securing the Cities (STC) program is administered, evaluated, and overseen. Key changes include redefining which jurisdictions can participate (shifting from a focus on “high-risk urban areas” to “jurisdictions designated under subsection (c)”), adding formal performance metrics and milestones (and requiring ongoing monitoring of expenditures and performance), and revising how jurisdictions are selected for STC support to consider overall preparedness, response capability, threat level, vulnerability, and the potential consequences of nuclear or radiological incidents. The bill also requires a congressionally mandated report within two years detailing participation, metrics, performance, and any planned program changes. Overall, the bill emphasizes broader eligibility, greater accountability, and clearer oversight for the STC program.
Key Points
- 1Redefines STC eligibility: Replaces the criterion “high-risk urban areas” with “jurisdictions designated under subsection (c),” potentially broadening the set of eligible jurisdictions.
- 2Adds metrics and oversight: Requires the STC program to establish performance metrics and milestones, and to monitor program expenditures and performance against those metrics/milestones.
- 3Reforms jurisdiction designation: The selection criteria for STC jurisdictions shift from simply being high-risk areas to considerations of a jurisdiction’s preparedness and response capability, threat level, vulnerability, and the potential consequences of terrorist or radiological/nuclear events.
- 4Mandates a congressional report: Within two years after enactment, the Secretary must report to the House Committee on Homeland Security and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs about participation, metrics, performance, and any planned changes to STC.
- 5Strengthens congressional oversight: The changes formalize metrics, reporting, and oversight mechanisms, increasing accountability and transparency for the STC program.