Bill eyes wildland firefighter training initiative
U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) is touting the benefits of recently introduced legislation he said seeks to offer wildland firefighter training to Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center students. The Civilian Conservation Center Enhancement Act would create a pipeline for Montanans to enter into... Read More »
Deployment of self-serve credential authentication tech at BWI Airport allows near real-time ID confirmation
In a move that may speed up processing, 36 credential authentication technology (CAT) units have now been deployed to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoints at Baltimore-Washington International (BWI)/Thurgood Marshall Airport. At the least, it has increased... Read More »
Bicameral TRANQ Research Act introduced to promote research, testing and more for Xylazine
Worried about the growing illicit use of the animal tranquilizer Xylazine, also known as Tranq, a group of senators and representatives introduced the TRANQ Research Act of 2023 this week to mandate the creation of new tests for its detection and improve understanding overall. In the Senate,... Read More »
Measure targets bolstered southern border security
U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), current member and former chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, current Chairman Mark Green (R-TN), and GOP committee members introduced the Border Reinforcement Act of 2023, which seeks to bolster southern border security. “As chairman... Read More »
TSA awards $128M contract to Idemia for new airport security checkpoint credential authentication systems
Through an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) this week awarded an agreement worth up to $128 million to Idemia Identity and Security USA, LLC to create and maintain next-generation Credential Authentication Technology... Read More »
House Homeland Security Committee press for more details following FBI crackdown on Chinese-operated police stations in U.S.
After arrests were made in New York last week over an alleged illegal overseas police station, House Committee on Homeland Security chairs wrote to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for information on potential Chinese-operated stations nationwide.... Read More »
Bill seeks to stop fentanyl trafficking across U.S. border
U.S. Sens. Todd Young (R-IN), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), and eight colleagues are espousing the benefits of reintroducing the Stop Fentanyl Border Crossings Act. Specifically, the legislation adds drug smuggling as an additional basis for Title 42 immigration enforcement authority, preserving for... Read More »
Lawmakers advocate U.S.-Israel missile defense program funding
A group of 41 Senators recently advocated for $500 million to be allocated to fully fund U.S.-Israel cooperative missile defense programs in the Defense Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2024. The lawmakers have forwarded correspondence to Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman... Read More »
National Nuclear Security Administration plan calls for revitalized nuclear security, stockpiles without explosive testing
In its 2023 Stockpile Stewardship and Management Plan, recently submitted to Congress, the United States Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) called for modernization, ongoing production of warheads and plutonium pits, and better nuclear security. “The SSMP... Read More »
Combating Violent and Dangerous Crime Act proposes stronger violent crime laws nationwide
A new bill reintroduced to the Senate this week – the Combating Violent and Dangerous Crime Act – seeks to address what its Republican sponsors call ambiguity and conflicting application of existing mandates, strengthening violent crime laws in a number of areas. Attacks on law enforcement,... Read More »
Legislation introduced to provide aid for those responding to train derailments
U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Chris Deluzio (D-PA) are touting the recently introduced Assistance for Local Heroes During Train Crises Act, which seeks to aid those who respond to train derailments. “Emergency personnel that respond to devastating accidents, including train... Read More »
U.S. Commerce Department advocates climate resilience funding
The U.S. Department of Commerce recently recommended $562 million in funding for projects the agency maintains would aid communities and the economy with climate change resilience. Authorities recently outlined 149 projects across 30 coastal states and territories in accordance with the... Read More »
Measure seeks to bolster Coast Guard funding
Two legislative panels have introduced legislation that seeks to strengthen and support Coast Guard funding. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee detailed the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2023, which addresses critical... Read More »
DHS Clean Power for Hours competition seeks clean energy sourced backups for essential services
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced last week a new competition meant to tap into clean, innovative energy sources to keep essential services functioning even at times of disaster. The Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) launched the Clean Power for Hours Challenge, a... Read More »