U.S. Representative Mike Honda (D-Silicon Valley) has an extensive list of accomplishments that will make Silicon Valley safer. In addition to the funding that will better allow implementation of Department of Homeland Security programs, Honda’s effort will make Silicon Valley a place where air travel will be more pleasant.
“I am gratified that my colleagues on the appropriations committee recognized the wisdom of including funding that I sought in these important areas,” said Honda. “By fulfilling these transportation security needs, we are ensuring that our transit systems are safer while also reducing the unacceptably long waits at security checkpoints passengers have experienced at Mineta San Jose International Airport.”
The funds for security efforts are divided into several areas, impacting different segments of the region. The DHS programs to be funded vary in scope.
The DHS Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties investigates violations of civil rights, such as allegations of discrimination or racial profiling. This program is within the DHS to ensure that it serves all it encounters in a dignified manner. According to the program site, “The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) supports the Department's mission to secure the nation while preserving individual liberty, fairness, and equality under the law. CRCL integrates civil rights and civil liberties into all of the Department activities.” Support for this program will help provide a better relationship between the DHS and the communities it serves. Honda secured $1 million more for the program than the target set by President Obama.
Honda also worked to secure funding for other important DHS programs. He was able to help increase the $11.2 billion in discretionary appropriations for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) by $158 million above the fiscal year 2016 level. This funding supports 21,370 border patrol agents as well as 23,871 CBP officers. These are the largest staffing totals in history.
Another important issue that affects Silicon Valley is human trafficking. Many people associate human trafficking with sex work, but the region is also plagued with labor-related human trafficking. Restaurants, hair and nail salons are some of the places where victims of human trafficking are subjected to quasi-slavery and sexual abuse from their traffickers.
DHS is taking serious steps to eliminate the scourge of human trafficking in the US. Honda’s leadership will enable the DHS’s Blue Campaign to be institutionalized. According to its site, “The Blue Campaign is the unified voice for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) efforts to combat human trafficking. Working in collaboration with law enforcement, government, non-governmental and private organizations, the Blue Campaign strives to protect the basic right of freedom and to bring those who exploit human lives to justice.”
This translates to training Immigration and Custom Enforcement officials to better identify victims, securing their continuous presence and provide them with referrals to victim services organizations. The training also includes enhancements on the identification of labor trafficking, smuggling, and labor exploitation, including incorporating culturally sensitive training and language-accessible translated materials. In addition, the Customs and Border Protection arm of the DHS will work in conjunction with the National Human Trafficking Resource Center by providing their hotline, email address, text messaging number, and website information in all U.S. ports of entry.
In addition to these DHS programs, Honda ensured that Silicon Valley will become even safer by bringing home $600 million for the Urban Area Security Initiative, which helps urban areas like the San Francisco Bay Area improve security and be prepared for possible attacks. He also helped secure $100 million for the Transportation Security Grant Program, from which the BART system has received funding to improve security measures.
Being the most innovative region in the world, Silicon Valley will get a much needed air travel relief: shorter security lines at Mineta San José Airport, as well as other airports in the nation.
“The wait times at many airports - such as Mineta San Jose - are simply unacceptable,” Honda said. “And they’re only going to get worse without immediate action so I’m pleased we were able to get the ball rolling on some much needed relief.”
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will receive $7.6 billion, which is an increase of $163 million above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $21.8 million above the president’s request – for the purpose of enhancing aviation security and reducing unacceptably long wait times at the nation’s airports, including Mineta San José Airport. The bill includes full funding for Transportation Security Officers, privatized screening operations, and passenger and baggage screening equipment; an additional $19.8 million above the request to hire, train, and deploy 50 more canine teams to further expedite processing time; and rigorous oversight requirements for TSA and assessments on how to improve security and efficiency of passenger and baggage screening.
“We are seeing significant growth in the number of travelers using our airport,” said Kimberly Becker, Director of Aviation at Mineta San José International Airport, “so we appreciate Congressman Honda’s efforts to improve TSA’s speed, efficiency and thoroughness in getting passengers through the checkpoints. I know our customers will also certainly appreciate the improvements.”
