Policy
Senate creates National First Responders Day
A resolution was passed in the U.S. Senate that will designate October 28, 2019, as "Honoring the Nation's First Responders Day." An estimated 4.6 million career and volunteer firefighters, police, emergency medical technicians, and paramedic workers serve communities all across the nation,... Read More »
CBP apprehended more than 144,000 migrants in May
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) took into custody more than 144,278 migrants along the southwest border in May, the highest total in 13 years. It marked a 32 percent increase over April when 109,474 were taken into custody. This year over 530,000 have already been apprehended, and the... Read More »
Committee assesses DIA roles, missions
The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) recently assessed the Defense Intelligence Agency’s (DIA) roles and missions completed last year, determining the agency faces challenges in several key areas. In 2017, the Committee initiated a study of the DIA as part of oversight... Read More »
DISARM Act seeks to amend Social Security Act to spur antibiotic research and drug protections
The recently introduced Developing an Innovative Strategy for Antimicrobial Resistant Microorganisms (DISARM) Act -- S. 1712 -- proposes to alter Medicare reimbursement for antibiotics, promote their use and encourage new developments. Introduced by U.S. Sens. Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Bob Casey... Read More »
Resolutions introduced to impose conditions on weapons sales to Saudia Arabia, UAE
A group of lawmakers recently introduced 22 separate Joint Resolutions of Disapproval outlining Congress’ role of approving arms sales to foreign governments. Sens. Todd Young (R-IN), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Rand Paul (R-KY), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and... Read More »
Tucson CBP personnel facing increased challenges
Tucson Sector Border Patrol Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel said the unit is facing increased challenges in the wake of greater human smuggling and narcotics activity. “Alien smuggling is a lucrative business,” Roy Villareal, Tucson Sector Border Patrol chief, said. “It is... Read More »
Bill would fund research into treatments for drug-resistant infections
Bipartisan legislation recently was reintroduced in the U.S. Senate that aims to advance the research and development of treatments for drug-resistant infections. The Developing an Innovative Strategy for Antimicrobial Resistant Microorganisms (DISARM) Act of 2019 would allow Medicare to offer... Read More »
Bill requiring annual report on domestic terrorism introduced in House
U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS) introduced Wednesday legislation that would increase research and data on domestic terrorism. The Domestic Terrorism Documentation and Analysis of Threats in America (DATA) Act would require Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Justice Department, and the... Read More »
Experts call on U.S. government for additional Ebola response
The current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) risks spreading to Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, according to testimony by public health experts on Tuesday before the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs. The outbreak in the DRC began in August 2018 and... Read More »
Proposed legislation seeks to reform asylum laws
Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX) introduced a measure Tuesday addressing the nation’s asylum laws, establishing reforms focusing on the Southern border crisis straining Department of Homeland Security (DHS) resources, among others. Hurd said the Asylum Reform Act of 2019 would overhaul outdated laws... Read More »
Collaborative effort targets South Dakota cybercrime
Three South Dakota entities recently joined forces to combat what they said is the ever-increasing issue of cybercrime, aided by a new Sioux Falls cyber intelligence analyst. The state Department of Public Safety and the Sioux Falls Police Department will provide funding for the post, which will... Read More »
FirstNet proves successful in rural Virginian search and rescue exercise
The capabilities of first responder network FirstNet were proven in a recent exercise in a remote part of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, where the network was relied on for emergency communications during a search and rescue exercise. FirstNet cooperated with the Virginia Communications Cache,... Read More »
Stakeholders commend approval by Congress of pandemic preparedness, response bill
The Blue Ribbon Study Panel on Biodefense, the Alliance for Biosecurity, and the Trust for America’s Health on Wednesday applauded the overdue reauthorization of the nation’s all-hazards preparedness and response law addressing public health threats, whether naturally occurring or... Read More »
Ten cities join Public Safety Partnership initiative
Attorney General William P. Barr recently noted 10 cities have joined the new National Public Safety Partnership (PSP), which officials said is designed to reduce violent crime. “The Public Safety Partnership is a successful program that directs federal law enforcement resources to the cities... Read More »
Raytheon lands small business mentoring contract
Raytheon Company recently secured a two-year contract for the Air Force Mentor Protégé program to aid Infinity Technology Services (ITS) in bolstering its cybersecurity services outlay. “Encouraging small business is a good thing for the government, as well as Raytheon, and ITS brings a... Read More »
CBP ROAM App expands reach in Michigan, Minnesota
The Reporting Offside Arrival-Mobile (ROAM) application, used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Field Operations to report small boats, has expanded its capabilities to new sites in Michigan and Minnesota. In Michigan, the app now reaches four sites in the Sault Ste. Marie area: the... Read More »
Sen. Cassidy warns administration about security concerns related to Chinese wearbale devices
U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) is urging Trump Administration officials to address potential security concerns related to China using wearable technology products to catalog American’s personal data. “Chinese smartwatches and other devices can stockpile data about a user’s health, finances,... Read More »
Pandemic and all-hazards preparedness, response bill heads to Trump following House approval
The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday approved the bipartisan Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing (PAHPA) Innovation Act of 2019, which now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature to make it law. S. 1379, sponsored by U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) on May... Read More »
DIA chief addresses Russian, Chinese nuclear capabilities
Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Director Lt. Gen. Robert P. Ashley Jr. took advantage of a recent speaking engagement to lend insight regarding Russia’s and China’s nuclear weapons capabilities and modernization. Ashley shared the information while addressing the Hudson Institute in... Read More »
Bill addresses Russia, Ukraine interaction
Reps. Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Eliot Engel (D-NY) recently introduced legislation designed to enhance U.S.- Ukraine cooperation and address effective deterrence from Russian aggression. The U.S.-Ukraine Security Cooperation Enhancement Act provides specific lethal military assistance including... Read More »
FAA, Air Force address aircrew shortage
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Air Force recently collaborated to address the national aircrew shortage. The partners will work to reduce barriers for entering the pilot career field, increase the number of pilots, leverage technology to improve pilot training to meet the... Read More »
DHS enters cooperative agreement with Guatemala to counter human migration
Acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan signed last week a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) with the Guatemalan Ministry of Government to address factors driving irregular migration from Guatemala and combat human smuggling. The MOC is an agreement between the Department of Homeland... Read More »
Operation yields fentanyl dealer indictments
Department of Justice authorities are crediting Operation Dark Gold, the first nationwide undercover operation targeting darknet vendors, with yielding a series of illegal drug dealing indictments. Authorities said Sean Shaughnessy, 51, of Dallas Fort Worth, Texas, was charged by a federal... Read More »
Bipartisan legislation introduced to protect research from foreign espionage
A bipartisan group of U.S. representatives recently introduced legislation that addresses academic espionage at institutions of higher education. The bipartisan Securing American Science and Technology Act of 2019 would standardize how federal agencies deal with academic espionage. “There... Read More »
US Air Force gains narrowband satellite communications responsibility
Air Force and Navy personnel have announced the transfer of responsibility for future narrowband satellite communications, which officials said develops an integrated space enterprise architecture. Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson and Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer recently... Read More »
TSA changing performance management systems
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently changed its performance management systems for uniformed TSA officers to improve how performance is measured and recognized as well as to simplify the process. The changes were based on feedback from transportation security officer... Read More »
CBP adds new administrative post to support border patrol agents
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel said the newly created Border Patrol Processing Coordinator position would prove valuable in freeing agents for critical law enforcement operations. “I am committed to providing the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol the resources they need to... Read More »
DHS to form security subcommittee for religious institutions
Acting Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kevin McAleenan recently announced DHS has created a Homeland Security Advisory Council subcommittee to focus on threats faced by religious institutions and places of worship. The subcommittee will be comprised of academics, emergency and... Read More »
Boeing subsidiary wins weapon planning software contract
Tapestry Solutions, a subsidiary of Boeing, got a 10-year contract from the U.S. Air Force to provide weapon planning software (WPS) for the U.S. military and allied forces. The software is designed to help military officials plan missions, including routes, threats, and points for weapons... Read More »
Legislation seeks to defend Taiwan from increased Chinese pressure
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined Sens. Cory Gardner (R-CO), Chris Coons (D-DE) and John Cornyn (R-TX) recently reintroduced The Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative (TAIPEI) Act, which is designed to strengthen Taiwan’s world standing in response to increased Chinese... Read More »
Amendment banning firefighting chemical advances Senate Armed Services Committee
The U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee has advanced a legislative amendment prohibiting the Department of Defense from procuring firefighting foam containing per and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS). The revision served as part of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal... Read More »
CBP makes three narcotics seizures prior to holiday weekend
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers made three narcotics seizures last week. The first seizure occurred May 20 at the Calexico East port of entry between Calexico, Calif., and Mexicali, Mexico. A canine team detected 64 pounds of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of... Read More »
House Oversight Committee debates need for regulations on facial recognition technology
The House Committee on Oversight and Reform held a hearing last week that examined the use of facial recognition technology and the need for oversight on how it is used on the public. Facial recognition technology – which analyzes faces to identify individuals -- is growing in use by the... Read More »
US, Mexican authorities dismantle illicit scouting network
Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents recently joined Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel and Mexico’s Federal Police Force to thwart an illicit scouting network on the border. The four-day operation yielded the seizure of more than 250 pounds of narcotics, assault weapons, and... Read More »