Homeland Security Readings

The following news articles and reports from the last few weeks may be read online if the URL is provided. Others are provided in abstract form only. Links to items below may become inactive over time. Please contact Jeffrey Michaels for questions about the content of this page. 

"Information Sharing: Connecting the Dots at the Federal, State, and Local Levels"

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, July 23, 2008

http://hsgac.senate.gov/public/ 
Witnesses: Eileen Larence, director of homeland security and justice issues at the Government Accountability Office; Thomas McNamara, program manager of the Information Sharing Environment; Homeland Security Undersecretary Charles Allen, for intelligence and analysis and chief intelligence officer; James Thomas, commissioner of Connecticut's Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security; and Jeffrey Smith, partner at Arnold and Porter.

Some Questions Unanswered in Disaster Housing Plan

by Spencer S. Hsu

Washington Post, July 22, 2008, Pg. A2

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/21/AR2008072102453.html
Nearly three years after Hurricane Katrina revealed the nation's inability to house large numbers of evacuees, the Bush administration proposed a new disaster housing strategy yesterday that includes a mix of solutions tried after the storm, while leaving major blanks to be filled by the next president.

Costly Weapon-Detection Plans Are in Disarray, Investigators Say

by Spencer S. Hsu

Washington Post, July 16, 2008, Pg. A15

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/15/AR2008071502874.html
Bush administration initiatives to defend the nation against a smuggled nuclear bomb or a biological outbreak or attack remain poorly coordinated, costing billions of tax dollars while basic goals and policies remain incomplete, according to new reports by congressional investigators.

Congress pushes for national emergency communications plan

by Jill R. Aitoro

Govexec.com, July 15, 2008

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20080715_3918.php?zone=ngtoday
Congress criticized the Homeland Security Department for delaying the coordination of a national emergency communications plan for first responders, emphasizing that states have little time to take action when formulating applications for grant money.

Disaster Study a Question of Focus

by Daniel Fowler

CQ Homeland Security, July 8, 2008

A National Infrastructure Advisory Council working group is trying to determine whether the electricity, telecommunications or water sector will be the focus of its study on the framework for dealing with disasters.
http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=hsnews-000002912373

U.S. Seeks Data Exchange; Newer European Union Countries Want Waiver From Visa Requirements

by Ellen Nakashima

Washington Post, July 8, 2008, Pg. D1

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/07/AR2008070702459.html
The United States is negotiating deals with European countries to exchange fingerprint and DNA data in criminal and terrorist cases, and in some circumstances to transfer data on race or ethnic origin, political and religious beliefs, or sexual orientation.

Post-9/11 Dragnet Turns Up Surprises; Biometrics Link Foreign Detainees To Arrests in U.S.

by Ellen Nakashima

Washington Post, July 6, 2008, Pg. A1

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/05/AR2008070501831.html
In the six-and-a-half years that the U.S. government has been fingerprinting insurgents, detainees and ordinary people in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa, hundreds have turned out to share an unexpected background - criminal arrest records in the United States.

On the Brink: Re-Engineering the Nation's Disaster Response Processes

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center, July 1, 2008

http://www.uschamber.com/bclc/programs/disaster/2008_disasterreport_home.htm
This report includes 26 essays by emergency-response experts representing corporations, local chambers of commerce, federal and local government, academe, and humanitarian-aid organization seeking to redefine the goals of disaster management.

GAO cites problems with response tools

by Ben Bain

Federal Computer Week, June 30, 2008

Urban fire, police and emergency response personnel do not have the equipment to accurately and quickly identify and respond to the release of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear materials, according to the Government Accountability Office.
http://www.fcw.com/online/news/153010-1.html

DHS passes $1B spending mark on SBI

by Alice Lipowicz

Federal Computer Week, June 30, 2008

http://www.fcw.com/online/news/153005-1.html
The Homeland Security Department has awarded Boeing more than $1 billion — an amount higher than what was previously disclosed — for work on the Secure Border Initiative system that the company is installing along the Mexican border in Arizona, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office.

Homeland Security: DHS Risk-Based Grant Methodology Is Reasonable, But Current Version's Measure of Vulnerability is Limited

GAO-08-852, June 27, 2008

http://www.gao.gov/docsearch/abstract.php?rptno=GAO-08-852
This report addresses (1) the changes DHS has made to its risk-based methodology used to allocate grant funding from fiscal year 2007 to fiscal year 2008 and (2) whether the fiscal year 2008 methodology is reasonable. To answer these questions, GAO analyzed DHS documents related to its methodology and grant guidance, interviewed DHS officials about the grant process used in fiscal year 2007 and changes made to the process for fiscal year 2008, and used GAO's risk management framework based on best practices.

U.S. Supreme Court refuses to hear border fence challenge

by David McLemore

The Dallas Morning News, June 24, 2008

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/nation/stories/DN-scotusfence_24nat.ART.State.Edition2.4dbe453.html 
The Supreme Court gave the Bush administration a victory Monday when it declined to step into the controversy over the waiver of environmental laws to speed construction of a 670-mile border security fence.

DHS seeks way ahead for US-VISIT

by Ben Bain

Federal Computer News, June 23, 2008

http://www.fcw.com/online/news/152938-1.html
The period for public comment on the Homeland Security Department's plan to have airlines collect biometric information on foreign travelers has ended, but questions remain.

The Flight Watchmen

by Laura Blumenfeld

Washington Post, June 22, 2008, Pg. W10

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/19/AR2008061902627.html
Nearly seven years after 9/11, Americans may feel like safe is normal again. But, to the counterterrorism experts who scour the nation's airspace, safety is hard-earned every minute of every day.

Nuke detectors being tested on private jets

by Mimi Hall

USA TODAY, June 18, 2008

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2008-06-18-nukes_N.htm  
Vayl Oxford, who runs the department's Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO), says agents began radiation screening of private planes at the start of  the year amid concerns that terrorists could try to "bypass the traditional ports of entry," such as airports and border crossings where security systems are in place.  

Grants Bonanza

Washington Technology, June 16, 2008

http://www.washingtontechnology.com/print/23_10/32989-1.html
Funds for homeland security and preparedness efforts are flowing in 2008. Here is a breakdown of programs, goals and funds by agency.

Arizona lawmakers give Real ID cold shoulder

by Alice Lipowicz

Washington Technology, June 12, 2008

http://www.washingtontechnology.com/online/1_1/32971-1.html
The Arizona legislature voted yesterday to prohibit the state from complying with the Real ID Act of 2005. Under the act, states are required to adopt federal standards for handling personal information for driver’s licenses and share drivers’ information with other states.

National Response Framework: FEMA Needs Policies and Procedures to Better Integrate Non-Federal Stakeholders in the Revision Process

GAO report GAO-08-768, June 11, 2008

http://www.gao.gov/docsearch/abstract.php?rptno=GAO-08-768
This new report evaluates the extent to which (1) DHS collaborated with non-federal stakeholders in revising and updating the 2004 Plan into the 2008 NRF and (2) FEMA has developed policies and procedures for managing future NRF revisions.

DHS to issue new Sentri cards

by Alice Lipowicz

Washington Technology, June 9, 2008

http://www.washingtontechnology.com/online/1_1/32934-1.html
Travelers along the border between the United States and Mexico participating in the Homeland Security Department’s SENTRI identification card program will be receiving new, upgraded ID cards by July, agency officials announced.

Bush pushes biometrics for national security

by Ben Bain

Federal Computer News, June 6, 2008

http://www.fcw.com/online/news/152750-1.html
A presidential directive issued June 5 requires the increased compatibility of methods agencies use to collect, store and share fingerprints, face and iris recognition data and behavioral characteristics to identify and screen “known and suspected terrorists.”

Noblis panel discussion at DHS Stakeholders Conference on June 4

Noblis news release, June 4, 2008

http://www.noblis.org/NewsReleases_NobliswillpresentatDHSSTConference.asp

On June 4, 2008, at 2:15 p.m., Noblis and Department of Homeland Security leaders, along with recent winners of the Noblis Innovations Award in Homeland Security, will discuss best practices to increase homeland security at the local, state and federal levels.  The panel discussion will take place at the DHS Science and Technology Stakeholders Conference during the session “How Action, Ingenuity, and Integration Result in Mission Advances at the Front Lines” - Track 7.

ICE effort snares 1,808 in six states; Most being quickly deported

by Jerry Seper

The Washington Times, June 3, 2008, Pg. A3

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jun/03/ice-effort-snares-1808-in-six-states/
Federal agents rounded up 1,808 criminal aliens, immigration fugitives and immigration violators during a monthlong effort in six states, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials announced.

Aides outline ways to improve Homeland Security R&D

by Chris Strohm

CongressDaily, June 3, 2008

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20080603_8065.php?zone=ngtoday
At an industry conference sponsored by the National Defense Industrial Association, Congressional aides cited a handful of ways to improve the Homeland Security Department's science and technology programs, such as increasing the involvement of private companies in research and development and helping to make the nation's critical infrastructure more resilient.

FEMA to manage cellular alert system

by Alice Lipowicz

Washington Technology, May 30, 2008

http://www.washingtontechnology.com/online/1_1/32898-1.html 
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has agreed to be the aggregator for a national alert and warning system for cell phone users, a senior government official announced.

New York to Issue Enhanced Drivers Licenses

Government Technology, May 27, 2008

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/325331
Governor David A. Paterson has announced an agreement between New York State and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) permitting the state to issue an Enhanced Driver License (EDL) to be used in place of a passport, which will be required for all border crossings by next summer.

Police Agencies Team on Data-Sharing Project

by Robert L. Mitchell

PC World, May 26, 2008

http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/146309/police_agencies_team_on_datasharing_project.html
The initiatives that arose following 9/11 are finally beginning to open up stovepiped data repositories by transforming how law enforcement agencies at the federal, state and local levels capture, store and share data, thanks to the development of the Global Justice XML Data Model initiated by the U.S. Department of Justice.

States Chafing at U.S. Focus on Terrorism

by Eric Shmitt and David Johnston

New York Times, May 26, 2008

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/26/us/26terror.html

State and local officials say federal financing for domestic security is too closely tied to combating terrorist threats, at a time when they say they have more urgent priorities.

DHS sets up emergency satellite comm service

by William Jackson

Government Computer News, May 21, 2008

http://www.gcn.com/online/vol1_no1/46309-1.html
The Homeland Security Department’s National Communications System is launching a three-year pilot program to give key government and industry facilities access to advanced satellite communications during emergencies.

New technology guides first responders

by Greg Latshaw

USA TODAY, May 21, 2008

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techpolicy/2008-05-19-emergencygps_N.htm
While no national statistics are available on how many first responders use satellite navigating devices, their use of automatic vehicle location (AVL) systems — which build on GPS technology to transmit a rescue vehicle's location to a command post — has increased more than 20% per year since 2000.

Long arm of virtual Alabama

by Patrick Marshall

Government Computer News, May 19, 2008

http://www.gcn.com/print/27_11/46300-1.html
The state’s homeland security agency has built a far-reaching geospatial database.

States, locals swamp immigration program

by Daniel C. Vock

Stateline.org, May 13, 2008

http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=309055
Sudden demand by state and local cops to join the federal 287(g) initiative, which lets local police start deportation proceedings for suspects and criminals who are illegal
immigrants, is overwhelming the federal government.

Internet strategy said needed to limit terrorism

by Ben Bain

Federal Computer Week, May 8, 2008

http://www.fcw.com/online/news/152482-1.html
The government should create a coordinated communications strategy to counter extremist groups' growing use of the Internet to recruit, communicate and train potential terrorists, according to report released by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

GAO: $1 billion needed to expand employee verification system

by Jill R. Aitoro

Nextgov.com, May 7, 2008

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20080507_9196.php   
Requiring employers to electronically check employees’ eligibility to work in the United States would require more than $1 billion to expand and maintain a verification system over the next four years, according to the Government Accountability Office.

U.S. tests response to set of calamities

by Mary Beth Sheridan

Washington Post, May 7, 2008, Pg. B8

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/06/AR2008050602687.html
Thousands of key federal employees are being whisked from the Washington area by helicopter and car for a three-day test of their ability to run the government from remote locations during a disaster.

Homeland Security to test high-tech buoys

by Mimi Hall

USA TODAY, May 5, 2008

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-05-04-buoys_N.htm
The federal government is preparing to test high-tech buoys adapted from Cold War-era Navy technology that could act as an offshore early warning system against a terrorist attack by sea.

D.C. forging surveillance network of 4,500 cameras

by Mary Beth Sheridan

Washington Post, May 1, 2008, Pg. A1

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/30/AR2008043003430.html
The D.C. government is launching a system that would tie together thousands of city-owned video cameras, but authorities don't yet have the money to complete the high-tech network or privacy rules in place to guide it. 

Panel questions requirements for REAL ID and border security program

by Jill R. Aitoro

NextGov, April 29, 2008

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20080429_6849.php?zone=ngtoday
A Senate panel told officials with the Homeland Security and State departments on Tuesday that their strategies to implement two programs to tighten security along the borders were flawed, leading to high costs, threats to Americans' privacy and an interruption of international commerce.

ID plan meant to clear fliers of suspicion

by Thomas Frank and Mimi Hall

USA TODAY, April 28, 2008, Pg. 1A

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2008-04-27-birthdates_N.htm
Air travelers who can prove they don't belong on terrorist watch lists could be spared extra scrutiny under a new program that addresses the public's biggest complaint about aviation safety, the nation's Homeland Security chief said.

Citing risks, study suggests ways to ease national security handoff

by Spencer S. Hsu

The Washington Post, April 25, 2008, Pg. A21

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/24/AR2008042403624.html
The United States is "lurching toward a period of uncertainty and increased risk" in this election year and during the upcoming presidential transition, according to a new Congressional Research Service study that suggests counterterrorism responses that Congress, the Bush administration and its potential successors could take.

DHS Proposes Biometric Airport and Seaport Exit Procedures

DHS news release, April 22, 2008

http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1208186058701.shtm
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today a notice of proposed rulemaking that will establish biometric exit procedures at all U.S. air and sea ports of departure.

NYC is getting a new high-tech defense perimeter

by Noah Shachtman

Wired.com, April 21, 2008

http://www.wired.com/politics/security/magazine/16-05/ff_manhattansecurity
Wired.com looks at New York's security plans for lower Manhattan: A plan so sophisticated, it trumps the armor of any major urban area in the world.

Fusion centers suffer information overload

by Alice Lipowicz

Washington Technology, April 18, 2008

http://www.washingtontechnology.com/online/1_1/32656-1.html
Dozens of state and local intelligence fusion centers operating nationwide are having difficulties juggling the multiple information systems that provide them with data, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office.

[Maine] Senate Passes Real ID Bill

by Victoria Wallack

Ellsworth (Maine) American, April 18, 2008

http://ellsworthmaine.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14135&Itemid=31
A bill that will require all applicants to produce papers showing they are in this country legally in order to get a Maine driver’s license is ready to be signed into law after it passed the Senate Thursday in a 19-15 vote.

Fusion center requirements coming

by Ben Bain

Federal Computer Week, April 17, 2008

http://www.fcw.com/online/news/152272-1.html  
The Justice Department next month will release baseline standards for the information-sharing capabilities of the more than 50 state and local intelligence fusion centers nationwide. 

"Nuclear Terrorism: Confronting the Challenges of the Day After"

U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, April 15, 2008

http://www.hsgac.senate.gov/

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