Policy
Legislators, law enforcement officials express support for SAFE School Act
Lawmakers and law enforcement personnel are expressing support for the SAFE School Act, which focuses on keeping children safe. U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Bill Hagerty (R-TN) would introduce the bill to establish a $900 million grant program enabling public and private schools to... Read More »
Sens. Grassley, Durbin introduce legislation to reform H-1B and L-1 visa programs
Through the introduction of the H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act last week, U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Dick Durban (D-IL) took aim at visa programs, intending to reform them and reduce fraud while introducing greater scrutiny of the recruitment process for foreign workers. Both visa... Read More »
Senate panel advances open source software protection bill
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has advanced the Securing Open Source Software Act - noting it protects federal and critical infrastructure systems. The measure introduced by Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) now moves to the full Senate for... Read More »
Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro calls for more than $86M for 9-1-1 dispatch, firefighters and EMS in budget proposal
In his first budget proposal, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro called for more than $50 million for 9-1-1 dispatch systems and $36 million to staff, equip and train firefighters and EMS providers. “I know firsthand how our local municipal and county governments are on the frontlines of keeping... Read More »
Legislation targets emergency room care gap
U.S. Reps. Michael C. Burgess (R-TX) and Kathy Castor (D-FL) recently reintroduced the MISSION Zero Act, which would aid in addressing the emergency room care gap. The bill would enable the Department of Defense (DoD) to continue assigning trauma surgeons to civilian trauma centers. “The... Read More »
Bipartisan legislation seeks to classify illicit xylazine use under Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act
A bipartisan group of lawmakers recently introduced the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, which seeks to classify the drug under Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. U.S. Reps. August Pfluger (R-TX), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Ken Buck (R-CO), and Chris Pappas (D-NH)... Read More »
House Artificial Intelligence for National Security Act seeks A.I. cybersecurity programs to bolster DoD security
In a nod to evolving needs, fears, and digital capabilities, United States Reps. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) introduced the Artificial Intelligence for National Security Act (H.R. 1718) this week, pushing for A.I. enabled cybersecurity programs to increase security on Department... Read More »
Senate panel advances bill targeting human trafficking
A group of lawmakers recently commended the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee's advancement of the IMPACTT Human Trafficking Act, which supports individuals impacted by human trafficking. The bill introduced by Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI), James Lankford (R-OK), and John... Read More »
Air Force civilian, military personnel advocate passage of ‘on-time’ budget
Air Force civilian and military personnel recently expressed to lawmakers the importance of passing a timely budget to ensure Air and Space Force modernization efforts are not delayed. Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., and Chief of Space... Read More »
TSA to use $10.4B budget to increase pay, checkpoint technologies and more
During a hearing with the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) this week, the latter’s administrator, David Pekoske, lent insight into the agency’s plans for its $10.4 billion allotment under a 2024 budget... Read More »
House approves Undersea Cable Control Act
U.S. Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) recently commended House of Representatives colleagues for passing the Undersea Cable Control Act. The legislation, which Mast introduced, protects American superiority in undersea cable capabilities from China’s economic and military reach and requires the Biden... Read More »
Bicameral FIRE STATION Act introduced to upgrade fire, EMS facilities nationwide
With a proposed $750 million grant program, the newly introduced FIRE STATION Act, put forth by U.S. Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), as well as U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), pushes for modifications, upgrades and build-up of fire and EMS facilities across the... Read More »
Bipartisan United States-Israel Future of Warfare Act proposes $50M annual fund for defense collaboration
With the introduction of the United States-Israel Future of Warfare Act of 2023 last week, a collection of U.S. representatives are seeking to set aside $50 million annually for defense collaboration on emerging technologies between the two countries. “The United States and Israel face a... Read More »
House panel advances legislation addressing permanent scheduling of fentanyl
U.S. Reps. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) and Bob Latta (R-OH) are commending the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee's advancement of legislation addressing fentanyl analogues permanent scheduling. Bill proponents indicated the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (HALT) Fentanyl Act... Read More »
Justice Department details arrest of alleged hacker forum founder
The U.S. Department of Justice has detailed the arrest of the alleged founder and operator of BreachForums, an alleged marketplace for cybercriminals to buy, sell and trade hacked or stolen data. Conor Brian Fitzpatrick, 20, of Peekskill, New York, made an initial appearance in the Eastern... Read More »
House Next Generation 9-1-1 Act introduced to overhaul emergency communications systems
Concerned that 9-1-1 systems begun more than 50 years ago might be in danger of growing outdated, U.S. Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Richard Hudson (R-NC) introduced the Next Generation 9-1-1 Act of 2023 last week to rally for modernization. Communications have changed dramatically in the past... Read More »
DHS, German leadership detail mutual security cooperation
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas and Minister of the Interior and Community of Germany Nancy Faeser recently outlined a collaboration addressing security threats facing the countries. The delegations met in Washington, D.C., to discuss countering the... Read More »
DHS launches new website for terrorism, targeted violence prevention resources
Pulling from available grants, research, training opportunities, and other resources from 17 federal agencies, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) attempted to make an easier public web access point for resources to prevent targeted violence and terrorism. With... Read More »
Non-profit report makes recommendations to improve U.S. public health system, grounded in current readiness
By measuring states’ current emergency readiness levels and data on weather-related disasters, vaccinations, and more, a new report from the nonprofit health policy organization Trust for America’s Health made a case for strengthening public health preparedness. Of the greatest concerns to... Read More »
Coast Guard details USCGC Venturous patrol assignment
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) officials have detailed the successful completion of the USCGC Venturous (WMEC 625) assignment in the Florida Straits and Windward Passage. The crew recently returned to their homeport in St. Petersburg, Florida, following a 47-day patrol in support of Homeland Security... Read More »
CBP outlines foiled San Diego narcotics smuggling attempts
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials recently announced the thwarting of three recent major narcotics smuggling attempts worth more than $5.7 million via the San Diego Field Office. The first seizure involved a driver identified as a 25-year-old female in possession of a valid... Read More »
Federal indictments filed for arms control violations, pursuit of military technology by Iranian operatives
A quick series of legal moves built on one another this week, kicked off by a federal court in the District of Columbia unsealing two indictments against multiple defendants for violations of arms export controls and economic schemes to procure and export military technology to Iran. The cases... Read More »
Bicameral American Space Commerce Act seeks extended incentives for U.S.-based space launches
In what its members called a move to cement America's place as the world leader in space operations, bicameral supporters in the House and Senate introduced the American Space Commerce Act this week to extend existing space launch tax incentives. “Our domestic space launch industry is in our... Read More »
Canadian, U.S. border services deploy new NEXUS enrollment centers at Canadian airports
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will reopen enrollment centers at eight Canadian airports to expand enrollment and manage backlogs for the NEXUS pre-screen expedited processing travel program. NEXUS allows subscribed members to use dedicated... Read More »
DHS nets more than 900 pounds of fentanyl at border during first week of Operation Blue Lotus
In its first week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Operation Blue Lotus nabbed more than 900 pounds of fentanyl at the border in a major cooperative effort by federal, state, Tribal, and local partners. “This Administration has a multi-pronged strategy to combat the scourge... Read More »
TSA touts partnership with Philippines for aviation security improvement
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently announced a partnership with officials from the Philippines to bolster Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) security. TSA is joining the Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) to host Philippines personnel for a training... Read More »
DHS Science and Technology Directorate details homeland security MOU with Republic of Korea
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is espousing the benefits of a recently signed Republic of Korea (ROK) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). ROK's Ministry of National Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) joined DHS S&T in signing... Read More »
Commerce Department proposes new rules to guarantee proper use of CHIPS incentives program
Amid worries of misuse by foreign adversaries, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking this week, laying out new guardrails for funds provided by the CHIPS for America Incentives Program. To safeguard national security, these extra protections push to keep... Read More »
House subcommittee to evaluate “State of American Cybersecurity” through CISA, DHS
The House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection will host a hearing this week to chart its CISA 2025 roadmap of oversight, engagement, and legislative goals for the affiliated agency going forward and CISA’s achievements to date. This hearing will be... Read More »
Justice Department alleges cryptocurrency mixing service processed more than $3B in unlawful transactions
The U.S. Department of Justice recently detailed a complaint alleging cryptocurrency mixing service ChipMixer processed more than $3 billion in unlawful transactions. ChipMixer operator Minh Quốc Nguyễn, 49, of Hanoi, Vietnam, has been charged with alleged money laundering, operating an... Read More »
Homeland Security Advisory Council addresses options to modernize DHS, improve supply chain security
Secretary of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas convened a meeting of the Homeland Security Advisory Council last week to address opportunities to modernize the department and improve supply chain security, intelligence, transparency, and more. The Department of Homeland Security... Read More »
DHS, DOJ undertake first extraditions related to charges of human smuggling resulting in death
In a first for the relations between the United States and Guatemala, the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and Justice (DOJ) successfully completed the first extraditions from the South American nation related to charges of human smuggling resulting in death. “This case demonstrates... Read More »
Senate Homeland Security Committee convenes hearing over cybersecurity threats in healthcare sector
Responding to the severity of cyber threats to the healthcare sector, United States Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, convened a hearing this week to address those threats and what the government and providers can do to stop... Read More »
FEMA details Hazard Mitigation Grant Program projects in Puerto Rico
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently announced that $122 million has been earmarked for 35 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program projects in Puerto Rico. "Some of these projects also address equity and climate change since they aim to ensure that all people have the same protections... Read More »