H.R. 9460, titled the 'DHS Joint Task Forces Reauthorization Act of 2024,' was introduced in the House of Representatives on September 6, 2024, by Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA) and co-sponsored by Rep. Thomas Suozzi (D-NY). The bill aimed to reauthorize the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Joint Task Forces, which coordinate efforts across various DHS agencies to address complex security challenges, particularly those related to border security and enforcement. The bill progressed through the House Committee on Homeland Security, being reported on September 18, 2024, and placed on the Union Calendar as Calendar No. 582. However, it did not advance further and ultimately died in chamber. ([legiscan.com](https://legiscan.com/US/bill/HB9460/2023?utm_source=openai))
Media coverage highlighted the bipartisan support for H.R. 9460, noting that both Republican and Democratic representatives recognized the importance of reauthorizing the DHS Joint Task Forces to enhance coordination among various agencies in addressing national security threats. Supporters emphasized that the bill would strengthen the nation's ability to respond to complex security challenges, particularly those related to border security and enforcement. ([legiscan.com](https://legiscan.com/US/bill/HB9460/2023?utm_source=openai))
Critics of H.R. 9460 expressed concerns that reauthorizing the DHS Joint Task Forces could lead to an expansion of DHS's authority without sufficient oversight, potentially resulting in inefficiencies or overreach. Some media outlets reported apprehension about the effectiveness of the Joint Task Forces, questioning whether they have produced measurable improvements in security outcomes since their inception. Additionally, there were concerns about the allocation of resources, with some arguing that the funds could be better utilized in other areas of homeland security. ([legiscan.com](https://legiscan.com/US/bill/HB9460/2023?utm_source=openai))
The analysis of H.R. 9460, sponsored by Scott Fitzgerald, reveals no direct industry overlaps between the bill's subject matter and the sponsor's top donor industries. The bill focuses on amending regulations related to mortgage assets, while Fitzgerald's top donors come from various sectors that do not directly relate to housing finance or mortgage markets. Additionally, the lobbying activity in this policy area shows contributions from entities like Occidental Petroleum Corporation and Ginkgo Bioworks, which are not connected to the mortgage industry. Therefore, the potential for conflicts of interest appears minimal, as the financial interests of the sponsors and lobbyists do not align with the bill's focus on mortgage regulations.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| RESPOND-US | CORNERSTONE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, INC. | $140,000 |
| SILVERLINING | ALPINE GROUP PARTNERS, LLC. | $80,000 |
| MEDLINE | CORNERSTONE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, INC. | $80,000 |
| GINKGO BIOWORKS, INC. | CORNERSTONE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, INC. | $60,000 |
| PEABODY ENERGY CORPORATION | CORNERSTONE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, INC. | $50,000 |
| LUFTHANSA GERMAN AIRLINES | CAPITOL POINT GROUP, LLC | $50,000 |
| MERIDIAM INFRASTRUCTURE | CAPITOL POINT GROUP, LLC | $40,000 |
| LEO TECHNOLOGIES | BUTLER SNOW LLP | $30,000 |
| MAXIMUS | BRICK STREET STRATEGY | $30,000 |
| JOHNSON & JOHNSON | BRICK STREET STRATEGY | $30,000 |
| OCCIDENTAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION | GTB PARTNERS | $20,000 |
| CHAMBERS COUNTY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY | BUTLER SNOW LLP | $15,000 |
| HEARTH, PATIO & BARBECUE ASSOCIATION | HEARTH, PATIO & BARBECUE ASSOCIATION | $15,000 |
| THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST ALABAMA | BUTLER SNOW LLP | $12,000 |
| BASIS PATH | BUTLER SNOW LLP | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Scott Fitzgerald, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
