Policy
House committee approves bill to fight human trafficking
A bill designed to help law enforcement and financial institutions identify and report suspected human traffickers was approved by the House Foreign Affairs Committee last week. The End Banking for Human Traffickers Act, sponsored by U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Bill Keating (D-MA),... Read More »
Bill seeks to repeal 1991, 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force against Iraq
Sens. Todd Young (R-IN) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced Wednesday a measure designed to repeal a pair of Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against Iraq and end Gulf and Iraq war authorizations. Specifically, the legislation will repeal the 1991 and 2002 AUMFs. “There is no... Read More »
Chicago CBP sets new seizure record
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials said the agency's Chicago Field Office (CFO) set a record number of seizures during fiscal year 2018. CBP authorities said in fiscal year 2018, the CFO intercepted more than 24,000 packages of narcotics while weighing more than 30,000 pounds in mail... Read More »
House hosts roundtable on Valley Fever
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), co-chairman of the Congressional Valley Fever Task Force, held a Valley Fever roundtable on Wednesday, hosting scientists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH), doctors, patient... Read More »
Israel-US partnership seeks proposals for homeland security related technologies
The Israel – U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation is seeking proposals for advanced technologies related to homeland security. The BIRD Foundation is seeking proposals in six areas: Advanced first responder technologies; Border protection, including... Read More »
Cell site bolsters Baltimore public safety
Baltimore County personnel are espousing the benefits of a new, purpose-built cell site designed to deliver increased coverage and capacity to first responders across the state. Officials said public safety communications is receiving a critical upgrade with the cell site launch of a new,... Read More »
Oklahoma earns emergency preparedness, implementation marks
A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) readiness review site visit of the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) has resulted in the agency receiving stellar reviews. The CDC assessment determined the OSDH ranks in the top 14 percent of all medical countermeasure supply... Read More »
House advances bill to expand background checks for gun purchases
The U.S. House of Representatives advanced a bill last week that would expand federal background checks for gun purchases and transfers. The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019 was approved by a vote of 240-190 with only 8 Republicans supporting it. It now moves to the Senate for action.... Read More »
Lawmakers tout benefits of Singh’s Law
A group of lawmakers recently introduced Singh’s Law, a measure designed to prevent known gang members and those convicted of dangerous crimes from entering the country. Sens. Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA)... Read More »
CBP encourages Spring Break travelers to plan ahead, enroll in programs
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) ports of entry in Arizona are urging travelers to prepare for the upcoming Spring Break by enrolling in trusted traveler programs and using Ready Lanes. Non-immigrant visa, passport holders are urged to apply for tourist permits online. To use... Read More »
Legislation offers cyber enhancements
A group of legislators introduced last week a measure designed to bolster greater cyber transparency, security, and data privacy initiatives. Sens. Jack Reed (D-RI), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), John Kennedy (R-LA) and Doug Jones (D-AL) said the Cybersecurity Disclosure Act of 2019... Read More »
National Association of Sheriff’s supports Singh’s law introduced by Sen. Cotton
Several groups, including the National Sheriff’s Association, voiced their support for a bill introduced by U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) that would bar aliens associated with a criminal gang and convicted of a crime from entering the United States. The bill, called Singh's law, says aliens... Read More »
Lawmakers urge implementation of Fix NICS Act
A group of lawmakers recently petitioned the Justice Department to implement information from requisite agencies via the Fix NICS Act, which requires steps to assess progress in database correction. Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Dianne... Read More »
Bill enhances border patrol personnel compensation process
Reps. Will Hurd (R-TX), Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX) introduced last week a measure designed to streamline and amend the overtime payment process, enabling border patrol personnel greater compensation flexibility. The Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Amendment Act of 2019... Read More »
Hundreds of physicians urge Congress to raise funding for global AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria efforts
In a letter released this week, more than 400 physicians and scientists called on Congress to increase the nation’s funding for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. The United States is the largest contributor to the fund to date, comprising a third of total funding.... Read More »
Bill would increase DHS workforce morale
A bill introduced in the U.S. House last week would aim to improve employee morale at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which ranked last among the 17 major Federal agencies for morale in 2018, according to the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey. Since being in 2003, DHS has... Read More »
GAO assesses efforts to enhance Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards program
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently assessed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) efforts to enhance the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program, offering input on progress and challenges. The GAO recommended the department identify high-risk chemical... Read More »
DHS, CBP launch $1.5M Opioid Detection Challenge
Several federal government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, introduced a program this week called the Opioid Detection Challenge, a $1.55 million competition to develop opioid detection technologies. The Opioid Detection Challenge calls upon innovators to submit plans... Read More »
New joint task force collaborates on rapid development of diagnostic tests for emergencies
Recognizing the potential for public health emergencies to be exacerbated by lack of cooperation, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have created a joint task force to make... Read More »
Bill enhances universal flu vaccine investment
Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) recently reintroduced a measure designed to bolster the financial support for a universal influenza vaccine protecting against multiple strains and offering longer protection. The Flu Vaccine Act targets a total investment of $1 billion,... Read More »Judge sentences man to more than 15 years in jail for providing support to ISIS
Amer Sinan Alhaggagi was recently sentenced to 188 months in jail for providing support to ISIS and identity theft charges. “Alhaggagi wanted to carry out deadly terrorist attacks in the United States in the name of ISIS,” said Assistant Attorney General John Demers said. ... Read More »
Chairman of House Homeland Security Committee prioritizes oversight of domestic terrorism
Federal lawmakers are focused on deterring domestic terrorism, which now ranks alongside — or possibly even eclipses — the prevention of global extremist threats against the nation, said U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS) on Tuesday in Washington, D.C. “What’s on our minds a lot now is... Read More »
Rep. Collins introduces Mass Violence Prevention Act
Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA) has introduced the Mass Violence Prevention (MVP) Act, which is designed to prevent firearm violence by improving response to threats and reducing illegal firearm street sales. “It’s cruel to advance legislation that ignores the factors contributing to gun violence... Read More »
TSA fast-tracks hiring for Boston Logan International Airport
A total of 50 full-time and part-time positions with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will see applicants fast-tracked during a one-day event at the Boston Logan International Airport in March. The move, undertaken in advance of increased travel generally seen during the summer... Read More »
House bill seeks to use billions forfeited by El Chapo for border security
A bill has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would allow assets seized from Mexican drug lords, including Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzmán Loera, to be used to secure the southern border. The Ensuring Lawful Collection of Hidden Assets to Provide Order (EL CHAPO) Act would set... Read More »
Senators urge DOE, DHS to ban inverters made by Huawei
A bipartisan group of senators recently sent a letter to Energy Secretary Rick Perry and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen urging them to ban the use of inverters made by the Chinese-owned company, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd, citing cybersecurity concerns. “Huawei has recently... Read More »
DHS secretary working on plan for humanitarian crisis
Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen met Feb. 20 with Northern Triangle security ministers in El Salvador to discuss the ongoing humanitarian and security crisis caused by the formation of migrant caravans and irregular migration. During the meeting, the officials agreed to a plan... Read More »
Researchers update guidance for first responders on treating chemical exposure
Researchers have developed a new tool and updated guidance to help first responders and emergency managers determine how best to decontaminate a massive number of people after chemical exposure. The updated guidance on chemical decontamination, called Primary Response Incident Scene Management... Read More »
Services discuss bilateral training opportunities
Leaders representing the General Royal Marines and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command recently met to discuss future bilateral training opportunities. Commandant General Royal Marines Maj. Gen. Charlie R. Stickland and Commanding General of MARFORCOM Lt. Gen. Mark A. Brilakis said the meeting... Read More »
Sen. Markey expresses support for continued nuclear agreement oversight
Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) is lending full support to the Committee on Oversight and Reform’s effort to continue oversight of the U.S. / Saudi Arabia civil nuclear cooperation agreement. Committee officials recently released a report calling for increased Congressional direction in the... Read More »
Sen. Kaine investigating Trump plan to raid DoD construction budget for border wall funds
With President Donald Trump’s stated intention to use an emergency declaration to shift funds from other projects for a U.S.-Mexico border wall, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) has written the Acting Secretary of Defense demanding a list of projects put at risk by the effort. A number of military... Read More »
DHS advocates a community-led approach to terrorism prevention
The U.S. government has changed course in terrorism prevention efforts since Sept. 11, 2001, relying more on community networks at the local level rather than a top-down approach from federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security. That was part of the message delivered... Read More »
Lawmakers tout Federal Firefighter Pay Equity Act
Reps. Jackie Walorski (R-IN) and Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA) recently praised the benefits of the Federal Firefighter Pay Equity Act, which they said is designed to ensure federal firefighters equal access to retirement benefits. The measure would balance federal firefighter retirement benefit... Read More »
Air Force links preparedness, training initiatives
Air Force officials are touting the benefits of rigorous training as a means of yielding the branch's desired preparedness and force lethality results. Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew P. Donovan recently visited Sheppard AFB to learn more about the manner in which the Air Force’s... Read More »