H.R. 3978 is being considered on the floor under suspension of the rules, requiring a two-thirds majority vote for passage. This legislation was introduced by Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL) on November 2, 2009. The Committee on Homeland Security approved the bill by voice vote on November 17, 2009.

H.R. 3978 would allow the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to accept nonmonetary gifts, including real and personal property and services, for certain activities of the Center for Domestic Preparedness that it would not be able to accept under current law. DHS would be required to report to Congress each year on the gifts received.

The National Domestic Preparedness Consortium within the Homeland Security Department was created by the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act in order to develop and train State and local emergency response providers. It includes the Center for Domestic Preparedness and research and training sites throughout the United States.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that implementing H.R. 3978 would have no significant cost over the next five years and would not affect direct spending or revenues.