This week many House committees found themselves in deep debate over how to structure a new Department of Homeland Security. While there is widespread agreement that such a cabinet level department is needed, there is little agreement as to what existing agencies should be included within it. One of the most contentious elements is the fate of the INS.
The Government Reform Committee was the only committee that agreed with President Bush that the entire INS be relocated to the new department. All of the other committees who dealt with the bill rejected such a proposal, ruling that immigration services should remain within the Justice Department, with enforcement moving to the new department. The desire to create more separation between service and enforcement has been widespread, and earlier this year legislation to split the INS into two agencies was approved.
Testifying before Congress, Secretary of State Colin Powell argued that the State Department should continue to control the process of issuing visas. However, responding to concerns raised this week over the news of a visa bribery scheme in Qatar, Powell did say that the new department should have a significant role in determining who will actually be allowed to enter the US.
The legislation will now go to a special committee that will integrate the work of the smaller committees. According to the Chair of this committee, Rep. Dick Armey (R-TX), the committee could be done with this work as early as next week. The Senate must also address the bill. Congressional leaders have said they hope to complete their work on the bill by this coming September.
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