Congress and Politics

Op-Ed: A Civil Perspective on Cybersecurity

February 15, 2011

Op-Ed: A Civil Perspective on Cybersecurity – Wired Threat Level
Jane Holl Lute is the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security. Bruce McConnell is a Senior Counselor at the Department. How important is cyberspace? It is hardly possible to overstate it. The internet is an engine of immense wealth creation, a force for openness, transparency, innovation and freedom. Without it, generators stop turning, phones fall silent, critical goods sit on loading docks.

DHS Overview of its 2012 Budget

Security Debrief |

February 15, 2011

Take a look at the overview of DHS’s proposed budget for 2012.

Proposed DHS Budget Does Not Reflect Secretary Napolitano’s Testimony on the Threat of Radicalization

David Olive |

February 14, 2011

Today, the Obama Administration submitted its proposed FY12 Budget to Congress. One of the first things to look for is whether the request to spend taxpayer dollars aligns with what the President and his Cabinet say are their highest priorities. In light of Secretary Napolitano’s recent remarks on violent extremism, the question remains, “So what are we doing to do about it?” If the President’s budget submission is any reflection of priorities, the answer is: “Not much.”

Homeland Security: A Terrible Investment Climate

Security Debrief |

February 14, 2011

By Doug Doan
Contrary to popular myth, companies involved in developing new equipment or services for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are about to find themselves in real trouble. The current business climate is deteriorating and companies trying to win new government contracts, or hang on to their existing contract base, are going to find it harder sledding. Here are ten reasons to be concerned about investing in companies doing business with DHS.

Schedule for House Homeland Security Committee

Security Debrief |

February 11, 2011

Securing the borders and the FY 2012 DHS budget are on the agenda.

TSA Admin Pistole Takes Heat for Cutting Private Airport Screening Program

Media Watch |

February 11, 2011

CQ Homeland Security Transportation Security Administration head John S. Pistole continued to take heat Thursday from congressional lawmakers over his decision to stop expansion of a program that allows airports to turn to the private sector for security screening.

Mismanagement, cost and schedule problems plague immigration system upgrade

Media Watch |

February 11, 2011

Mismanagement, cost and schedule problems plague immigration system upgrade – NextGov
A Homeland Security Department program that was supposed to automate the processing of immigration papers still has not launched, after the agency responsible failed to complete a required pilot test and then continued to spend four years and more than $6 million to build the system.

TSA head wants 'risk based,' tailor-made airport screening

Media Watch |

February 11, 2011

TSA head wants ‘risk based,’ tailor-made airport screening – The Hill
The head of the TSA wants to implement a new “risk-based” screening method over the next year that will tailor-fit airport security procedures to individuals based on intelligence and suspicious behavior.

Pistole Comments on Collective Bargaining

Security Debrief |

February 10, 2011

With TSA’s Administrator John Pistole’s recent go-ahead for TSA workers to vote on collective bargaining, there have been questions about how this decision will affect the security and the agency. Here is piece from the Washington Post’s Federal Eye, where Pistole makes clear his thoughts on collective bargaining at TSA.

Congress Punting on Patriot Act Reform

Media Watch |

February 10, 2011

Congress Punting on Patriot Act Reform – Wired Threat Level
Those wanting Patriot Act reforms should probably stop applauding the House’s inability Tuesday to block three key spy provisions in the law from expiring at month’s end. That’s because the House took procedural steps Wednesday that virtually guarantee those provisions would be extended in an upcoming vote.

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