Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2]
Democrat · MS · 9 bills sponsored
Nonprofit Security Grant Program Transparency Act
# Nonprofit Security Grant Program Transparency Act Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would increase transparency and oversight of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which provides federal funding to help nonprofits—such as religious organizations, community centers, and other civic groups—improve their security systems and infrastructure. The legislation would likely require the Department of Homeland Security to publicly report more detailed information about how grant money is distributed, including which organizations receive funding, how much they receive, and how the funds are used. **Who It Affects** The bill would primarily affect nonprofits seeking security grants, the Department of Homeland Security (which administers the program), and the general public who would have greater access to information about federal spending. Religious organizations, including houses of worship, would be among the main beneficiaries since they frequently apply for these grants. **Current Status** As of now, HR 7382 remains in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. This means it has not advanced to become law and may require further discussion, amendments, or action before it could be considered for a vote.
Realigning Mobile Phone Biometrics for American Privacy Protection Act
# Summary of HR 7124: Realigning Mobile Phone Biometrics for American Privacy Protection Act **What the Bill Would Do** This bill, currently in committee, would establish new privacy protections for biometric data collected through mobile phones—such as fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the basic information available, the bill's title suggests it aims to regulate how phone manufacturers and companies collect, use, and store this sensitive biological information. The legislation would likely set standards for consent, data security, and limitations on how companies can share or sell biometric data collected from mobile devices. **Who It Affects** The bill would impact smartphone users, mobile phone manufacturers, tech companies that develop biometric authentication systems, and law enforcement or government agencies that might access this data. Essentially, any American using biometric features on their phone—whether for unlocking devices or authenticating payments—could be affected by new rules governing that data. **Current Status** As of now, HR 7124 is in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House. The bill was introduced by Representative Bennie Thompson (D-MS), and no significant action has been reported. For the most current details about specific provisions and any recent developments, you would need to check Congress.gov.
Vicksburg National Military Park Boundary Modification Act
# Vicksburg National Military Park Boundary Modification Act - Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would allow the federal government to give approximately 7 acres of land from Vicksburg National Military Park to the state of Mississippi at no cost. The land would be used to build an interpretive center (a facility designed to educate visitors about the park's history). After the transfer, the National Park Service would adjust the park's official boundaries to exclude these 7 acres. The land would remain subject to restrictions to ensure it doesn't harm the park's resources or visitor experience. **Who It Affects:** This primarily affects visitors and residents of Mississippi, particularly those interested in Civil War history. The Vicksburg National Military Park commemorates the Siege of Vicksburg, a major Civil War battle. The interpretive center could improve public understanding of the park's historical significance while potentially boosting access and tourism in the area. **Current Status:** The bill (HR 4467) was introduced by Representative Bennie Thompson (D-MS) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act
# DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would establish new mental health and suicide prevention programs specifically for employees of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The legislation aims to address mental health challenges among law enforcement and security personnel working for DHS agencies—including Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Secret Service—by creating support services and resilience training. **Who It Affects:** The bill directly affects DHS employees in law enforcement and security roles. Indirectly, it could impact their families and the agencies' operational effectiveness, as mental health support can influence retention and workplace safety. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill (HR 6548) remains in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. This means it is still in the early legislative stage and would need to advance through the committee process and gain broader congressional support to become law.
Terrorist Watchlist Data Accuracy and Transparency Act
# Terrorist Watchlist Data Accuracy and Transparency Act (HR 4971) **What the Bill Does:** This legislation would require the federal government to improve how it manages the terrorist watchlist—a database used by law enforcement and security agencies to identify and track individuals suspected of terrorism-related activities. The bill focuses on ensuring that information in the watchlist is accurate, up-to-date, and properly documented. It would likely require agencies to regularly review entries, remove outdated information, and establish clearer procedures for how people are added to or removed from the list. **Who It Affects:** The bill would impact federal security and law enforcement agencies that maintain and use watchlist data, as well as individuals who may be on or added to terrorist watchlists. It could also affect airlines, border security, and other entities that use this information for screening purposes. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill is in committee and has not yet been voted on by Congress. This means it's still in the early stages of the legislative process and would need to move through committee review and gain broader congressional support before becoming law.
FEMA Cybersecurity Improvement Act
# FEMA Cybersecurity Improvement Act - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The FEMA Cybersecurity Improvement Act (HR 4579) would strengthen cybersecurity protections for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The bill aims to improve how FEMA safeguards its computer systems and data from cyberattacks and breaches. This is relevant because FEMA handles sensitive information during disasters and emergencies, including personal data from people seeking disaster assistance. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects FEMA operations and the millions of Americans who receive disaster assistance or interact with FEMA during emergencies. Strengthened cybersecurity could protect personal information submitted to FEMA during disaster response efforts and ensure that emergency management systems remain secure and operational during crises. **Current Status:** As of now, HR 4579 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was sponsored by Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS). Without access to the specific detailed provisions, the exact cybersecurity improvements proposed are not publicly summarized in the basic information available.
Department of Homeland Security Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Act
# Department of Homeland Security Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would establish a dedicated officer position within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responsible for overseeing civil rights and civil liberties issues. The officer would be tasked with ensuring that DHS operations and policies comply with constitutional protections and civil rights laws, and would likely investigate complaints from the public about potential violations. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects DHS and its various agencies (including Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Transportation Security Administration), as well as members of the public who may file civil rights complaints. It could impact policies related to immigration enforcement, border security, airport screening, and other DHS activities. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill remains in committee and has not been voted on by the full House. This means it's still in the early stages of the legislative process and has not yet advanced further in Congress.
Bolstering Security Against Ghost Guns Act
# Bolstering Security Against Ghost Guns Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill aims to regulate "ghost guns"—firearms that are manufactured at home or assembled from kits and lack serial numbers, making them difficult to trace. The legislation would establish requirements for how these weapons are made, sold, and tracked, similar to regulations already applied to traditionally manufactured firearms. The bill seeks to close a legal gap that has allowed individuals to build untraceable guns without going through the standard background check and registration processes required for commercial firearms. **Who It Affects:** The bill would impact gun manufacturers and sellers who produce or distribute gun-building kits and components, as well as individuals who assemble firearms at home. Law enforcement agencies would also be affected, as the regulations could help them track weapons used in crimes. Gun rights advocates and Second Amendment groups would likely be impacted by any new restrictions. **Current Status:** As of now, HR 2698 remains in committee and has not been voted on by the full House. The bill was introduced by Representative Bennie Thompson (D-MS) but has not advanced further in the legislative process. No companion bill has been identified in the Senate.
Rights for the TSA Workforce Act
# Rights for the TSA Workforce Act (HR 2086) - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill aims to expand workplace rights and protections for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills with this title typically address issues like collective bargaining rights, grievance procedures, working conditions, or job security for TSA workers—who are federal employees but have historically had more limited labor rights than other federal workforces. **Who It Affects:** The bill would directly impact TSA employees who screen passengers and baggage at airports across the country, as well as potentially other airport security personnel. It could also indirectly affect airline passengers and airport operations if it changes how TSA manages its workforce. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full House. This is an early stage in the legislative process. For specific details about the bill's exact provisions, the most up-to-date status, or recent committee activity, you can check Congress.gov or the House Homeland Security Committee's website.