Department of Homeland Security Climate Change Research Act

This legislation, titled the "Department of Homeland Security Climate Change Research Act," amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to mandate that the Under Secretary for Science and Technology research and develop strategies to mitigate the negative effects of climate change on homeland security . The Under Secretary must first evaluate existing federal research, considering how climate change impacts emergency preparedness, planning, and the federal funding structure for disaster response. This evaluation aims to identify gaps and inform future research directions. Subject to appropriations, the Under Secretary is authorized to conduct new research and development on these mitigation approaches, prioritizing those that affect the Department's operational capabilities. To ensure comprehensive efforts, the Under Secretary must consult with other federal agencies, state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments, and critical infrastructure owners and operators. The bill also requires annual reports to Congress for four years, detailing the progress and findings of these climate change research and development activities.