DHS | Security Debrief

Who Wants the Toughest Job in America?

October 23, 2008

With Election Day approaching, the parlor game of who might get ‘the big jobs’ of the new President’s Cabinet is underway. As a longstanding Washington tradition (thankfully only celebrated every four years), there are lots of names being floated around to fill these big chairs, including the next Secretary of Homeland Security. In the spirit of bipartisanship, I have listed some names without reference to them being prospective Obama picks or McCain picks.

Chertoff & Team Get the Starting Job

Rich Cooper |

October 15, 2008

Secretary Chertoff was methodical in explaining the very real cyber security threats posed by nation-states (Russia & China), criminal enterprises and terrorists. Chertoff also stressed the collective responsibility of the public and private sectors (as well as individual citizens) to work together to address these threats.

Thompson-led Coalition Should Rethink 100% Scanning Mandate

David Olive |

October 2, 2008

I see from yesterday morning’s press reports that House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson has written another letter to DHS asking about the status of the cargo screening mandate Congress has shoved down the throat of the aviation and maritime industries.

Closing of the American Border

Security Debrief |

September 26, 2008

There haven’t been many “insider” books about how DHS has functioned but a good one has appeared. The Closing of the American Border was published last week by Edward Alden of the Council on Foreign Relations and formerly with the Financial Times. It’s a detailed look at the policies and programs deployed after 9/11 to deter and detect terrorists hoping to use our transportation systems against us.

DHS's Role in a Post 9/11 World

admin |

September 11, 2008

As designed, the Department of Defense has taken the lead role on foreign soil in the fight against the terrorist elements in Afghanistan and Iraq. Domestically, in one of the US’ first steps in this same fight, the Department of Homeland Security was created.

Verification Hub a smart move for DHS REAL ID Grants

David Olive |

June 20, 2008

The DHS announcement today awarding REAL ID grants seems to be a positive step in meeting the recommendation of the 9-11 Commission to make identification documents more secure. With the adoption of a “verification hub” approach, where states work with other states to verify identities, DHS is letting the folks who issue driver licenses control their own processes – previously a source of irritation for many Governors.

Congressional Mental Instability Regarding Immigration, Exhibit 743: Senator Robert Menendez

Chris Battle |

June 13, 2008

The ongoing bipolar inconsistency of the U.S. Congress — that institution responsible for drafting our laws on immigration, among other things — was once again on display this past week. Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey kicked it off with a harangue in which he accused federal immigration agents of everything from racism to general rudeness. Why? For enforcing the laws that Congress passed.

Beardsworth's Five Tips for DHS Transition Team

Security Debrief |

March 24, 2008

Over the past week we have run a series of suggestions by Randy Beardsworth, former Assistant Secretary for Strategic Plans at the Department of Homeland Security, advising the next Administration on the DHS transition. Below is a recap of all five suggestions:

DHS Transition — Advice for the Next Administration (Part II)

Security Debrief |

March 14, 2008

The new President’s ability to implement his homeland security agenda, and perhaps his larger agenda could be lost if the Department and new administration fail an early test.

USCG Commandant Makes Case for Budget, Improved Fleet

Chris Battle |

February 11, 2008

Admiral Allen focused on the challenges facing future Coast Guard border security and rescue missions with an aged and diminishing fleet. He noted that the post 9/11 mission for the Coast Guard placed additional demands on an already strained fleet and personnel, and suggested that Americans might be alarmed if they knew the nation’s premier marine lifesaving outfit could fit into the Washington Nationals’ new stadium.

Topic: