Bill Overview
Title: Quadrennial Homeland Security Review Technical Corrections Act of 2021
Description: This bill makes numerous changes to the quadrennial homeland security reviews. The quadrennial homeland security review is the Department of Homeland Security's capstone strategy document, which offers recommendations on long-term strategy and priorities for homeland security. Specifically, the changes are related to consultation, prioritization, resources required, deadlines, and documentation.
Sponsors: Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]
Target Audience
Population: People potentially impacted by changes in US homeland security strategy
Estimated Size: 331000000
- The Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR) is a significant strategic document that impacts the overall approach of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
- Changes to strategic reviews can affect how homeland security operations are prioritized and conducted, which in turn influences security agencies and personnel across all levels of government.
- Given that homeland security involves protection against terrorism, natural disasters, and other threats, a wide array of people could be impacted due to shifts in strategic focus or resources.
- Even though this bill focuses on technical corrections, adjustments in consultation, prioritization, and resource allocation contributes to the broader execution of homeland security strategy.
Reasoning
- Most of the population will not directly notice the impact of this policy since the changes are technical corrections related to strategic reviews and not directly affecting day-to-day life.
- The budget suggests limited broad-scale operational changes; rather, it's likely more about strategic alignment within DHS which might trickle down into minor impact in certain sectors.
- Direct impact is likely minimal at the individual citizen level; government employees, particularly those involved in homeland security and related sectors, might be more aware of and impacted by changes in strategic focus and resource allocation.
- People living in areas more prone to natural disasters or with higher security risks could see changes in preparedness and response strategies influencing local operations.
- Changes in strategy may lead to shifted focus in immigration enforcement or disaster response but are unlikely to be perceptible for most in the immediate year-to-year scenario.
Simulated Interviews
Firefighter (Miami, Florida)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The changes in homeland security strategy might eventually affect how we prepare for disasters.
- I'm hoping for better coordination with federal resources during hurricanes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Policy analyst (New York City, New York)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- These strategic reviews are crucial for aligning priorities and ensuring preparedness.
- I'm optimistic these changes will streamline operations and resource allocation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Small business owner (Houston, Texas)
Age: 52 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's hard to see how these technical corrections will impact my business directly.
- If these changes improve cybersecurity and public safety, that's beneficial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
DHS employee (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is an opportunity to enhance the effectiveness of our strategic reviews and ensure they meet current needs.
- Increased clarity and prioritization can improve our overall approach to homeland security.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Retired military (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Strategic oversight is essential for a comprehensive homeland security framework.
- Even small changes can have meaningful impacts over time, but I don't expect immediate changes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
School teacher (Omaha, Nebraska)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Homeland security changes seem far removed from my daily life unless they change school security protocols.
- It's hard to assess immediate benefits or changes for my work environment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Customs officer (San Diego, California)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Strategic reviews can shift focus and resources which may affect our daily operations.
- I am hopeful about potential improvements in resource management and security processes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Software developer (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Technical changes in strategic documents are unlikely to affect my work directly.
- If it leads to better technology guidance or standards, it could be beneficial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Law enforcement officer (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Changes in homeland security strategy could impact how resources and priorities are allocated at our department.
- I'm cautiously optimistic that it might lead to better operations and safety.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Graduate student (Boston, Massachusetts)
Age: 24 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's fascinating to see strategic documents evolve and the potential impacts on immigration policy.
- Would love to see more integration of technological advancements in homeland security.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $30000000)
Year 2: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $30000000)
Year 3: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $30000000)
Year 5: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $30000000)
Year 10: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $30000000)
Year 100: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $30000000)
Key Considerations
- The technical corrections may lead to improvements in strategic blueprint accuracy, which can have far-reaching effects across various homeland security activities.
- Changes in prioritization could reallocate efforts across cybersecurity, immigration enforcement, and disaster preparedness.
- There are potential budgetary impacts associated with implementation and operation as training on new protocols might be necessary.