FEMA can only be moved out by legislative fiat and it is unlikely that any bill would clear all the hurdles to get to the president’s desk as a stand alone measure. That means it would have to go in omnibus legislation. Leadership likely won’t do that without a go ahead from 1600 Pennsylvania.
Yesterday, the White House called in Homeland Secretary Napolitano to chair one of the breakout sessions at the President’s “fiscal responsibility summit.” Her session focused on what the government buys. AP published a summary of the discussions. Most of the talk focused on rules and policies for hiring government contractors.
A week ago, the Air Force Research Institute (AFRI) in conjunction with the Association for the Study of the Middle East and Africa (ASMEA) held an all-day symposium on security in Africa. The symposium was notable on several accounts.
The congressional mandate to scan 100 percent of all cargo coming into the United States has questionable security value and will assuredly disrupt the global supply chain process, further undermining American commerce, jobs and the economy at a time when the U.S. economy is already struggling.
According to an online magazine, the choice for the new director of FEMA is down to a shortlist of veteran state emergency management professionals. Not clear what the choice says about the shoe every one is waiting to drop—FEMA in or out of the Department of Homeland Security.
James Carafano examines Arnold Bogis’ take on President Obama’s plans for homeland security.
Technology is worthy and more of it can only help, but technology alone cannot stop a terrorist. We know the terrorists are still interested in US aviation. The human factor is an essential part of the layered security recipe in the aviation environment. That is why the TSA is in the process of a transformational culture change to empower officers to rely on their experience.
The impulse of any new Administration is to conduct grand reviews of existing efforts, issue sweeping strategies, centralize management, and reorganize operations and responsibilities. That is a mistake. Such moves are as likely to stunt momentum and slow innovation as they are to achieve any efficiencies of operation.
Everybody wants homeland security that keeps Americans safe; protects individual freedoms; promotes economic growth; and improves the nation’s image around the world. Achieving this lofty objective in real life is no easy task. Every once in a while, however, Washington gets it right…and so it goes with congressionally mandated reforms to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Sponsored by:
