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.
“Constitutional Authority and Single Subject Statements for H.R. 1405” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security was published in the in the House section section on page H1151 on March 7.
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:
By Mr. JOYCE of Ohio:
H.R. 1405.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
Article 1, Section 8
The single subject of this legislation is:
Department of Homeland Security efforts to combat human trafficking
