Edgewood Chemical Biological Center tests new Joint Service Aircrew Mask
A new mask that provides individual respiratory, eye, and skin protection from various chemical and biological warfare agents, including radiological particulates, for pilots and aircrew recently underwent testing at Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) facilities at Maryland's Aberdeen... Read More »
Department of Energy needs to address management challenges, according to GAO report
The U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) must address various management challenges, including aligning budgets with plans to modernize its nuclear weapons systems, according to a recent report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). GAO said its report was based on 13 different reports... Read More »Lund University thesis describes how cell phones could reveal radiation exposure
According to a thesis published recently by Lund University in Sweden, it may be possible to analyze mobile phones and other objects that come into close contact with the body to determine if an individual has been exposed to a radioactive substance. The thesis stems from concerns that a large... Read More »
Bill to counter terrorist financing efforts introduced in House
A bill that would expand the ability of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to collect information under geographic targeting orders (GTOs) to prevent money laundering for terrorist groups was recently introduced in the House by U.S. Rep. Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA). The bill, titled... Read More »
Defense officials offer testimony on nuclear modernization, replacement programs
Modernizing and replacing programs related to the United States nuclear triad is the first priority for both the U.S. Departments of Energy and Defense, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Navy, according to testimony from key defense officials at a recent House Armed Services Strategic Force... Read More »
Bill to manage the use of recreational drones introduced in Senate
A bill that would establish a process for federal, state and local governments to work together to manage the use of recreational and commercial drones was recently introduced in the Senate by U.S. Sens. Tom Cotton (R-AR), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Mike Lee (R-UT), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). ... Read More »
Bill to extend temporary protective status for individuals affected by West African Ebola epidemic introduced in House
A bill that would extend temporary protective status (TPS) for a period of eighteen months to individuals from Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea as their home nations continue to recover from the West African Ebola epidemic of 2014-2016 was recently introduced in the U.S. House of... Read More »
Biodefense plan requires U.S. cabinet-level oversight coupled with global financial strategy
A leadership spot at the highest level in the United States government would be best positioned to harness and focus available resources and influence governors and the private sector on a common biodefense vision, a Texas A&M University (TAMU) international affairs expert said this... Read More »
House Committee advances legislative package to authorize FEMA, Coast Guard, improve employment among veterans
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee recently approved a series of bills that would provide authorizations for the Coast Guard, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Federal Maritime Commission, among other provisions. The first of six bills passed by the committee,... Read More »
Bill to reauthorize FEMA, drive down costs of disaster recovery advanced by key House Committee
A bill that seeks to address the rising costs of disaster recovery, provide additional support for first responders, and reauthorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the first time ever was recently advanced by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The... Read More »Sen. Heinrich cautions against cuts to key TSA security programs in Trump’s proposed budget
In the wake of the deadly bombing in Manchester, England, which killed 22 people and injured dozens more, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) strongly warned against President Trump’s proposed FY2018 budget cuts to critical Transportation Security Administration (TSA) programs that safeguard... Read More »
Sen. Feinstein introduces bill to keep firearms away from individuals with severe mental illness
As the third anniversary passes of the deadly Isla Vista, California shootings, which killed six people and injured 14 others, U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) introduced a bill that would allow family members to keep guns away from those who have a severe mental illness. The Gun Violence... Read More »Researchers discover how Ebola virus harms the body’s immune system, expedites lethal effects
The Ebola virus harms the body’s natural defenses by binding directly to white blood cells, which expedites the virus’ lethal effects, according to a recent study by researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB), the University of Washington, and the National... Read More »James J. Cannon named president, CEO of FLIR Systems
FLIR Systems, Inc. recently announced that James J. Cannon will succeed Andy Teich as the company’s president and CEO, effective June 19, 2017. "We are delighted to appoint a chief executive of Jim's caliber," FLIR’s Chairman of the Board Earl R. Lewis said. "Jim's proven track record of... Read More »