Sunstein’s take on the use of data and statistical analysis to understand the impact of regulatory analysis is a welcome sign to those of us in the homeland security space, because one of the guiding tenants of DHS policy and regulatory activity is risk management–which is grounded in analytical assessments of risks and rewards, or costs and benefits.
Yesterday, the Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano announced to the House Homeland Security Committee that FEMA would remain a part of DHS. While it is not surprising that Napolitano made the decision, given her inclination towards having FEMA stay put in her January confirmation hearing, it has likely rankled a few folks bent on returning FEMA to its Clinton-era cabinet-level status.
Draft legislation is circulating on the Hill to repeal the REAL ID Act. Passed in 2005, with bipartisan support, the REAL ID Act requires states to assure that any identity cards used for a federal purpose (like passing through a Transportation Security Administration security checkpoint before boarding a plane) be issued only to individuals who are lawfully present in the United States.
On April 30, DHS announced the results of the first 30 days of the ongoing “Efficiency Review”. Notably absent from the list of money-saving measures was any mention of how a unified DHS culture can promote effectiveness, efficiency and of course, cost savings. Instead, many of the items referenced in the press release are relatively simple cost-cutting measures. Despite Secretary Napolitano’s confirmation hearing pledge to “work to create a unified vision for this agency”, there is no sign that the Efficiency Review will be used as a tool to advance this very important concept – and that’s a missed opportunity.
Something happened recently that did not garner much media attention but is worth noting among the Homeland Security set. Each and every Transportation Security Officer TSA recently completed a two-day training course called ENGAGE, which is an experiential, hands-on training effort aimed at calming the checkpoint to improve security.
DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano is tentatively scheduled to testify before the United States Senate Judiciary Committee on DHS immigration enforcement policies. Heritage has its own set of questions that should be asked of Napolitano about the Administration’s views on immigration enforcement. We will be adding new questions for Secretary Napolitano daily until the May 6, 2009 hearing—along with Heritage’s suggested response. Check out today’s question.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on why I believe there must be reform of the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine.
During his hearing, Craig Fugate underscored that vision, talent and leadership is needed to create a stronger national, and not simply, federal capacity to meet obligations to the American people in times of crisis.
With all this talk of declassified interrogation memos and whether or not to prosecute, it is worth noting that today in Germany the trial of Fritz Gelowicz and three others begins. Who is Fritz Gelowicz, you may ask?
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