House passes Homeland Security reauthorization measure
Bill would authorize funding to hire 2,000 more border agents and elevate role of cybersecurity chief at department.
The House Wednesday approved a $34.2 billion authorization measure for the Homeland Security Department, 424-4.
Lawmakers approved several amendments by voice vote, including an amendment to reduce the amount of time passengers flying into and taking off from Washington's Ronald Reagan National Airport must remain in their seats. The amendment reduced the time from 30 minutes to 15 minutes.
The legislation also revised the color-coded warning system to provide specific information to certain cities, geographic areas and industries.
"The color-coded system does not work well and has undermined the credibility of the department," said Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I.
The bill would also authorize full funding to hire 2,000 more border agents and elevate the role of the cybersecurity chief at the department.
A substitute amendment offered by Democrats failed along party lines, 230-196.
The provision would have increased funding by $7 billion for first-responder grants as well as rail, cargo, port and transit security.
It is unlikely the Senate will take up an authorization measure for the department this year, but Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chairwoman Susan Collins, R-Maine, has said she might draft stand-alone bills.