Congress and Politics

Heritage Foundation Releases Key Defense Study

April 5, 2011

This morning, the Heritage Foundation released a new study – “A Strong National Defense: The Armed Forces America Needs and What They Will Cost.” Motivated by requests from both sides of the aisle on Capital Hill, Heritage has tried to do a straightforward analysis of what we need to do to get past the budgeting conundrum with regard to defense. What the Hill asked for – and Heritage has delivered – is an excellent starting point for a serious “adult” discussion on the hard choices that must be made if we are to make progress and properly defend the nation.

REAL ID Implementation Embraced by 41 States: Driver's Licenses Still at Risk of Terrorist Abuse

Janice Kephart |

April 5, 2011

While driver’s licenses and birth certificates remain a tool sought by terrorists to support jihad in the United States, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano is still pushing for repeal of driver’s license and birth certificate standards supported by 9/11 Commission recommendations. Ironically, Secretary Napolitano continues to assail the REAL ID Act’s standards despite new statistics – still held tightly within DHS – showing that 41 states, plus D.C., have embraced REAL ID implementation even without DHS support or new monies.

Breaking: 9/11 Mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed to be Tried by Military Commission

Security Debrief |

April 4, 2011

ABC News Video: In a sharp reversal of the Obama administration’s policy on trying Sept. 11 suspects in U.S. courts, mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four co-conspirators will be tried in a military commission at Guantanamo Bay.

U.S. lawmakers condemn Koran burning, violent reaction

Media Watch |

April 4, 2011

U.S. lawmakers condemn Koran burning, violent reaction – Homeland Security Newswire
U.S. legislators of both parties are condemning the burning of a Koran by a radical American Christian pastor, an act that has provoked deadly protests in Afghanistan.

Lawmakers Seek Extension Of National Guard Border Security Operation

Media Watch |

April 4, 2011

Lawmakers Seek Extension Of National Guard Border Security Operation – HSToday
Ten Republican lawmakers wrote to President Barack Obama Friday to request the extension of the National Guard’s support mission along the US southwest border.

Rep. Rogers: 'Concern' about Libyan 'terrorist threat'

Media Watch |

April 4, 2011

Rep. Rogers: ‘Concern’ about Libyan ‘terrorist threat’ – The Hill’s Blog Briefing Room
Michigan Rep. Mike Rogers (R) said there’s “concern” elements of al Qaeda may have infiltrated the rebel forces in Libyan, but said the possibility of Col. Moammar Gadhafi remaining in power was more worrying.

House Bills Set Up (Another) Potential Jurisdiction Fight Over Homeland Security

Media Watch |

April 2, 2011

House Bills Set Up Potential Jurisdiction Fight Over Chemical Security – NYTimes.com In an unexpected twist, two House committees may find themselves in a jurisdiction fight over dueling bills to reauthorize the country’s program to secure chemical facilities against terrorist attacks and thefts. Members of both the House Homeland Security Committee and House Energy and […]

Napolitano Defends Administration on Border Enforcement

Media Watch |

April 1, 2011

Napolitano Defends Administration on Border Enforcement – The New York Times
Obama administration officials, embattled on all sides on immigration, are pushing back to defend their record on border enforcement and deportations of illegal immigrants.

Secure Border Act Would Tell DHS To Prevent All Illegal Entries Within 5 Years

Media Watch |

April 1, 2011

Secure Border Act Would Tell DHS To Prevent All Illegal Entries Within 5 Years – HSToday
A House bill introduced Thursday would direct the Department of Homeland Security to produce a border security strategy to gain “operational control” of US borders in a five-year timeframe.

Napolitano Fires Senior Staff! Rep. King Turns Down Homeland Security Funds! …Really?

Security Debrief |

April 1, 2011

In this April Fools Edition, we’ve collected some stories the rest of the media somehow missed.

Topic: