NTER Reassignment and Funding Reform

Summary#

This bill would move the National Threat Evaluation and Reporting (NTER) Program from the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) to the Office for State and Local Law Enforcement (OSLLE). The Secretary of Homeland Security must complete the transfer within 180 days. The bill requires that operations continue during the move and that capabilities and services to State, local, Tribal, and territorial (SLTT) partners are not reduced. The Secretary must transfer personnel, assets, equipment, records, and unspent funds tied to the program as needed. After the transfer takes effect, no money from the National Intelligence Program (NIP) may be used for the NTER Program. The Secretary must identify and allocate other non-NIP funding sources, which may include DHS funding for State and local programs, preparedness grants, or other nonintelligence funding streams. The Secretary must report to the House Committee on Homeland Security and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs within 120 days after enactment and every 180 days for two years on transfer progress, impacts on operations and stakeholders, funding adjustments, challenges, and recommendations.

What it means for you#

  • For State, local, Tribal, and territorial partners: the program that helps identify and report threats would be managed by the DHS office that works mainly with these partners (OSLLE). The bill requires that services and capabilities they receive not be reduced during the transfer.
  • For program staff and resources: personnel, equipment, records, and unspent funds tied to NTER are to move to OSLLE. The Department must keep the program working during the move.
  • For funding: the program may no longer use National Intelligence Program funds after the transfer. The Department must find and use other non-NIP funding sources.
  • For Congress: the Department must send regular progress reports to relevant committees for two years.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on total cost estimates or budgetary figures is included in the bill text. The bill directs transfer of personnel, assets, equipment, records, and unexpended balances related to NTER. It also prohibits use of NIP funds for the program after transfer and directs the Secretary to identify alternative non-NIP funding sources (for example, DHS State and local program funds or preparedness grants).

Proponents' View#

According to the bill's findings, supporters say the NTER Program primarily serves non-Federal stakeholders, is operationally distinct from national intelligence priorities, and is better managed by OSLLE, which coordinates with SLTT law enforcement. They view moving the program and ending its NIP funding as aligning management and funding with the program's mission.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information on opponents' views or formal objections is included in the bill text or provided metadata.