The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“NEW PUBLIC LAWS” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security was published in the in the Daily Digest section section on page D1374 on Jan. 3, 2018.
The Department was built out of more than 20 agencies in 2002. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lower taxes and boosting federal efficiency, argued the Department is burdened with "unneeded bureaucracy" which could be handled by other departments or standalone operations.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
NEW PUBLIC LAWS
(For last listing of Public Laws, see Daily Digest, p. D1359)
H.R. 1370, to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue Department of Homeland Security-wide guidance and develop training programs as part of the Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign. Signed on December 22, 2017. (Public Law 115-96)
H.R. 1, to provide for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018. Signed on December 22, 2017. (Public Law 115-97)
