Homeland Security Bill Includes Funding for Maine, Clears Appropriations Committee
Bill includes $2.43 million for Congressionally Directed Spending projects across Maine
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured significant funding and provisions for Maine in the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Homeland Appropriations Act. The bill, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.
The measure, which was advanced by a bipartisan vote of 24-4, provides $61.364 billion in discretionary funding, including $3.612 billion in defense funding and $57.764 billion in non-defense funding.
“This legislation includes important investments in border security, as well as new funding to combat the surge of fentanyl crossing the border. I am pleased the bill increases funding to hire more border patrol agents and officers at ports of entry, which account for nearly 90 percent of illicit drugs seized when entering the United States,” said Senator Collins. “Key support for the U.S. Coast Guard, Maine’s firefighters, and continued research at UMaine is also included in the bill. As the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”
Bill Highlights:
Local Projects: $2,430,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for requests across Maine through the FY24 Homeland Security appropriations bill.
H-2B Visa Cap Relief and H-2B Visa Distribution: Includes language to allow the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary to approve up to 64,716 supplemental visas, above the 66,000 H-2B visa annual statutory cap. Also includes report language directing the Department of Labor (DOL) to examine the economic impacts of the current H-2B visa availability shortfall on a state-by-state basis, and the impact of the semiannual distribution on employers, employees, and agency operations.
Border Crossing Fee: Includes continued language prohibiting DHS from implementing a border crossing fee or conducting a study of the issue.
Conrad 30 Waiver Program: Includes language extending the Conrad 30 Waiver program through FY 24, which allows U.S.-trained foreign doctors to extend their stay in the U.S. upon completion of their education or training if they agree to practice for three years in rural or underserved communities in the U.S. In March, Senator Collins introduced bipartisan legislation in support of the Conrad 30 program.
Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Backlog: $143 million for the U.S. Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) to address the backlog of applications for asylum seeker work authorizations, as well as incoming applications. Due to the current backlog, most asylum seekers must wait nearly a year before they can legally work and contribute to the economy (far longer than the already lengthy 180-day statutory waiting period).
University of Maine (UMaine) Research: The bill continues to support research at UMaine and Global Secure Shipping on the development of new secure shipping capabilities as well as thermoplastic composite materials that improve intrusion sensor integration and reduce costs.
FEMA Grants:
- $338.4 million to support staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER).
- $338.4 million for Assistance to Firefight Grants.
- $94 million for Port Security Grants.
- $333.7 million for Emergency Management Performance Grants.
- $84.6 million for Operation Stonegarden.
- $488.8 million for the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSG).
Telework: Includes language requiring DHS to report, on a component-by-component basis, the usage of telework and other alternative work arrangements by DHS personnel and any impacts on productivity.
This funding and language advanced through the Committee’s markup of the FY24 Homeland Security appropriations bill—an important step that now allows the bill to be considered by the full Senate. Committee consideration of legislation is a key part of regular order, which helps our government function efficiently and deliver results for the people of Maine and America.
###
