Print PDF

Legislative Priorities for the 112th Congress

Download the printable version

H.R. 140 The “Birthright Citizenship Protection Act of 2011” Rep. Steve King (R-IA)
S. 723 The “Birthright Citizenship Protection Act of 2011” Sen. David Vitter (R-LA)

Summary: Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to limit birthright citizenship to a child born in the United States of parents, one of whom is: (1) A citizen or national of the United States; (2) An alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States whose residence is in the United States; and (3) An alien performing active service in the armed forces.


H.R. 504 The “First Responders Fighting Terrorism Protection Act of 2011” Rep. Sue Myrick (R-NC)

Summary: Provides immunity from civil liability to first responders engaged in lawful efforts to prevent acts of terrorism. First responders are defined as any local, state or Federal law enforcement agent, prosecution agent, border agent, immigration agent, transportation security agent, fire fighter, or emergency medical service provider.


H.R. 495 The “See Something, Say Something Act of 2011” Rep. Peter King (R-NY)
S. 505 The “See Something, Say Something Act of 2011” Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME)

Summary: Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide immunity for reports of suspected terrorist activity, suspicious behavior and response.


H.R. 668 The “Secure High-voltage Infrastructure for Electricity from Lethal Damage (SHIELD) Act” Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ)

Summary: Protects the bulk-power system and electric infrastructure critical to the defense and well-being of the United States against natural and manmade electromagentic pulse ("EMP") threats and vulnerabilities.


H.R. 1502 The “Team B Act” Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA)

Summary: Establishes a “Counterterrorism Analysis Council” in order to allow outside experts to bring “fresh eyes” to U.S. counterterrorism strategy, including domestic radicalization.


H.R. 1687 The “Open Fuel Standard Act of 2011” Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL)

Summary: To amend chapter 329 of title 49, United States Code, to ensure that new vehicles enable fuel competition so as to reduce the strategic importance of oil to the United States.


H.R. 1741 The “Secure Visas Act” Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX)

Summary: Allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement to deploy special agents to diplomatic posts worldwide in order to assist State Department officials in identifying potential terrorists or criminal threats before they reach the U.S. Requires the Department of Homeland Security to expand the number of visa security units serving at embassy posts in 19 countries ICE has designated “highest risk.” Denies visa holders within the U.S. the ability to challenge their deportation once their visa has been revoked.


H.R. 1299 The “Secure Border Act of 2011” Rep. Candice Miller (R-MI)

Summary: Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to submit to the House Committee on Homeland Security, and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, a comprehensive strategy for gaining operational control of the international borders of the United States within five years.


H.R. 152 The “National Guard Border Enforcement Act” Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX)

Summary: Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to make 10,000 National Guard troops available upon request of a U.S. Governor. Legislation authorizes the troops to conduct: armed vehicle and foot patrols of the U.S. southern border; interdiction of a vehicle, vessel, aircraft or other similar activities; construction of roads, fences, and vehicle barriers; search, seizure, and detention of suspects; search and rescue operations; intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance; and aviation support.


H.R. 1905 The “Iran Threat Reduction Act” Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL)

Summary: To strengthen Iran sanctions laws for the purpose of compelling Iran to abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons and other threatening activities, and for other purposes.


H.R. 2623 The “9/11 Commission Review Act” Rep. Peter King (R-NY)

Summary: Legislation that would reconstitute the 9/11 Commission to evaluate the progress of implementing recommendations made by the panel and to examine emerging national security threats, including domestic radicalization.

You are here:   HomeLearnHigh Priority Legislation