DHS must research climate threats to emergency response, report annually
H.R. 2674 — Department of Homeland Security Climate Change Research Act · Filed by Yvette Clarke (D-NY) · 3 cosponsors · Introduced Apr 7, 2025 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security's Under Secretary for Science and Technology to evaluate existing federal research on how climate change affects homeland security operations, and may conduct new research and development to mitigate those effects. The bill mandates annual reports to Congress for four years and requires DHS to consult with other federal agencies, state and local governments, and critical infrastructure operators.
Why we flagged it
The bill's core function is to establish a research and evaluation requirement within DHS focused on climate change impacts to homeland security operations, with mandatory reporting. It is a straightforward public-safety and transparency measure.
What the text implies
- The bill does not appropriate funds; research is 'subject to the availability of appropriations,' meaning actual R&D depends on future budget decisions and may not occur if Congress does not fund it.
- The evaluation requirement is mandatory, but the research and development component is discretionary ('may conduct'), creating a potential gap between assessment and action.
The full analysis lists 3 implications of this text.
Who it affects
Citizens benefit from expanded research into climate threats to homeland security operations (emergency preparedness, disaster response, critical infrastructure resilience) and mandatory transparency through congressional reporting. The bill creates no new restrictions on citizens' rights or remedies, and the research focus directly serves public safety and preparedness.