David Olive

After TSA Fails IG Red Team Test, Accountability at DHS

June 2, 2015

As much as I like Mel Carraway, it is difficult to disagree with DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson’s decision to reassign Carraway, the (now former) acting TSA Administrator. The news reports of an Inspector General (IG) investigation finding serious problems in TSA screening processes were difficult to ignore. A good man – one whom I am 100% convinced does not condone sloppy security procedures – was sacrificed to set an example to the rest of the agency.

Is It Possible To Have A Congressional Hearing “Do-Over?”

David Olive |

May 21, 2015

This week, the House Homeland Security Committee Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Security Technologies held a hearing: “Examining DHS Science and Technology Directorate’s Engagement with Academia and Industry.” The committee members all but ignored what is actually going on in DHS S&T, and their myopia was encouraged by three witnesses who appeared to be accomplices to the debacle rather than advisors on how to understand the problems and fix them. How can you have a hearing about “engagement with academia” and not one time mention the S&T Directorate’s Office of University Programs?

Why Does DHS Need Another Office in Silicon Valley?

David Olive |

May 19, 2015

DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson announced at the 2015 RSA Conference that DHS is opening a satellite office in Silicon Valley. His words were vague, leading to questions of why DHS is setting up this office and with whom the Department will be working. Perhaps a more pressing question is, what makes DHS think Silicon Valley wants to work with the federal government in the first place?

Judicial Watch is Wrong on Claims of Improper TSA Screening

David Olive |

May 14, 2015

TSA has responded to outlandish claims made by Judicial Watch about TSA screeners. Judicial Watch asserts that TSA screeners were engaged in improper behavior while performing secondary screening procedures, such as a despicable occurrence at Denver International Airport. Rather than commend TSA leadership for its prompt action, Judicial Watch and others paint with broad brushes to create the (false) impression that most, if not all, TSA screeners are insensitive “perverts.” I know the truth is otherwise.

White House to Nominate Admiral Neffenger to Lead TSA

David Olive |

April 29, 2015

Rumors have been swirling around the homeland security community for the past three weeks that U.S. Coast Guard Vice Admiral Pete Neffenger would be named to lead the Transportation Security Administration. Today, the White House made it official.

Senate Finally Confirms Deyo as DHS Under Secretary of Management

David Olive |

April 17, 2015

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Russell Deyo to be the Department of Homeland Security’s Under Secretary for Management on April 16, after leaving Deyo’s nomination hanging for months. On a vote of 95-2, Senators finally filled the remaining major DHS leadership position. It’s about time.

Kayyem’s “Security Mom” Debuts with Former Boston Police Chief Ed Davis

David Olive |

April 15, 2015

On the eve of the second anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing, Juliette Kayyem and WGBH radio have launched a new Podcast, “Security Mom,” offering a fresh take on the nation’s homeland security conversation.

Beckner Post on Russ Deyo is Spot On

David Olive |

April 10, 2015

The failure of the Senate to confirm Russ Deyo as Under Sectetary for Management is a disgrace to the institution and, as Christian Beckner points out in The Hill, a potential national security issue.

Biodefense in the Spotlight of a Blue Ribbon Panel

David Olive |

April 10, 2015

For the past few months, a Blue Ribbon Panel on Biodefense has been receiving input from industry and policy experts on the challenges America faces from the bio-related threats. The public testimony portion of their assignment recently concluded, and now the Panel will begin its review and recommendation work.

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