Policy
Sikorsky, DARPA detail successful autonomous Black Hawk flights
Aircraft manufacturer Sikorsky and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) successfully demonstrated to the U.S. Army how uninhabited Black Hawk helicopters flying autonomously performed varied missions. The flights were executed on Oct. 12, 14, and 18 in conjunction with the... Read More »
Report examines healthcare sector cybersecurity threats
U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released Thursday a white paper detailing present healthcare sector cybersecurity. The report offers dialogue on a series of policy solutions to improve cybersecurity across the healthcare industry. The white paper, Cybersecurity is Patient Safety, explores... Read More »
CBP details $6.1M narcotics seizure at Laredo Port of Entry in Texas
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have detailed a recent $6.1 million narcotics seizure in separate incidents at the Gateway to the Americas Bridge and World Trade Bridge. “The dedicated employees of CBP continue to fulfill the agency’s border security role,” Laredo Port... Read More »
DoD enlists Xendee to cut energy system costs with optimized microgrid design
The U.S. military, looking for ways to counter the threat of blackouts, announced this week that it tapped microgrid support software provider Xendee to reduce energy system engineering costs with optimized, scalable microgrid designs for its installations. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)... Read More »
Measure seeks to bolster cybersecurity education efforts through $10M pilot program
U.S. Reps. Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-PA) and Jim Langevin (D-RI) have reintroduced legislation to form a $10 million Department of Education pilot program to strengthen cybersecurity education initiatives. Specifically, the Cybersecurity Skills Integration Act would award competitive grants to... Read More »
ICF secures pact to bolster Immigration and Customs Enforcement technology initiatives
Global consulting and digital services provider ICF has secured a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract to enhance Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) technology. "For over 20 years, ICF has been a trusted partner to DHS,... Read More »
Senators urge Justice Department, ATF to clarify, implement ghost guns rule
Responding to attempts by companies to avoid restrictions imposed by the federal Ghost Gun Rule, more than a dozen Democratic senators this week wrote to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to address the matter and crackdown.... Read More »
Rep. Graves commends enactment of SPEED Recovery Act
U.S. Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA) is commending the enactment of the Small Project Efficient and Effective Disaster (SPEED) Recovery Act (H.R. 5641), which seeks to expedite disaster recovery initiatives. “This is big news for Louisiana," said Graves, who supported the legislation. "Our bill that... Read More »
Legislation targets ATM thefts, robberies
U.S. Reps. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) and John Rose (R-TN) recently introduced legislation to address efforts to combat crimes involving ATMs that include theft, robbery, and assault. The Safe Access to Cash Act (H.R. 9248) would strengthen enforcement mechanisms to deter criminals and protect... Read More »
Biden administration doles out more than $1.56B to Florida for Hurricane Ian recovery
In the month since the devastation wrought by Hurricane Ian, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners have provided more than $1.56 billion to Florida through a mix of grants, disaster loans, and flood insurance payments. Of those funds, more than $661 million were... Read More »
U.S. Transportation Department to award $32.4M in grants for six hazardous materials safety efforts
Drawing from 81 separate grants, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) announced last week that it will award $32.4 million to states, territories, and tribes for hazardous materials safety programs. Despite a large number of... Read More »
Homeland Security Department details Cybersecurity Performance Goals business, critical infrastructure benefits
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently released Cybersecurity Performance Goals (CPGs) to aid businesses and critical infrastructure owners in considering measures to protect against cyber threats. “Organizations across the country increasingly understand that cybersecurity... Read More »
U.S. Sen. Peters, CISA Director Easterly and Michigan CIO Clark talk cybersecurity collaboration
In a fireside event moderated by the State of Michigan’s Chief Information Officer Laura Clark at the annual Michigan Cyber Summit, guests U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Director Jen Easterly discussed intergovernmental collaborations... Read More »
California touts efficacy of earthquake early warning system during recent Bay Area quake
California state officials are touting the benefits of its Earthquake Early Warning System, noting it provided over 2.2 million residents with advanced notification prior to a recent episode. “California continues to harness the power of science and technology to help keep our communities... Read More »
Justice Department details Honeywell agreement to pay $3.35M following False Claims Act violation allegation
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently detailed Honeywell International Inc.'s agreement to pay $3.35 million to resolve allegations it violated the False Claims Act by selling defective material. The DOJ alleged between 2000 and 2005, Honeywell sold its patented Z Shield material to... Read More »
Drug Enforcement Administration tout results from recent Violent Crime Initiative
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently touted the benefits of the agency's Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), noting the endeavor recently resulted in criminal charges against 42 defendants for various offenses. The charges, involving racketeering, violence, narcotics distribution,... Read More »
Coast Guard set to maintain Harmonized Waterway database for free public access
A database of national waterways known as the Harmonized Waterway project will soon be hosted and maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, offering free access to the public for navigation, study, and monitoring. The Marine Safety Information (MSI) previously required referencing the National Oceanic... Read More »
Electric vehicle industry highlights need to accelerate critical infrastructure deployment
At the Cybersecurity Executive Forum on Electric Vehicles and Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure this week, government and industry leaders held high-level discussions on the state of vehicular cybersecurity, how to proceed, and, importantly, stressed desires for a quicker rollout of critical... Read More »
Justice Department charges 13 for allegedly working with China to exert influence in U.S.
Across three cases, the United States Attorneys’ Offices for the Eastern District of New York and the District of New Jersey charged 13 individuals with conspiracy, obstruction, and attempts to aid the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in exerting influence in-country. According to unsealed... Read More »
Sens. Portman, Klobuchar urge Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention Act implementation
U.S. Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) recently forwarded correspondence to the Biden administration, encouraging the implementation of the Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention (STOP Act) to address increased illegal opioids entering the country. The senators... Read More »
PAWS Act signed into law, bringing greater attention to animals during natural disasters
In the wake of the passage of his Planning for Animal Wellness (PAW) Act earlier this month, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) toured the American Red Cross at its Lansing, Mich., chapter this week to highlight community efforts to help them – and their pets – recover from natural... Read More »
Lockheed Martin, Red Hat tout military mission AI initiatives
Aerospace company Lockheed Martin and software firm Red Hat personnel have detailed a collaboration they said seeks to advance artificial intelligence (AI) innovation regarding military missions. Red Hat Device Edge would enable Lockheed Martin to support national security missions by applying... Read More »
New York State, New York City announce police and mental health efforts to address transit crime
A series of expanded initiatives for the New York City subways were announced last week as part of a joint effort between the State of New York and New York City to crack down on transit crime through traditional law enforcement means and community psychiatric care. This will equate to a massive... Read More »
Latest Border Protection figures show rising would-be immigrant encounters, but from changing points of origin
The September operational statistics from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reveal a dramatically changing landscape, showcasing significantly increased migrant encounters. Individual encounters reached 182,704 in September, a 15 percent increase over the previous month. Only 55,068... Read More »
Reps. Gottheimer, Rutherford advocate for Senate vote on Invest to Protect Act
In the wake of the House of Representatives advancing the Invest to Protect Act, U.S. Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and John Rutherford (R-FL) are urging a Senate vote on the measure. The legislators recently forwarded correspondence to Senate leadership urging them to bring their bill to the... Read More »
DHS outlines 18-month Ethiopia TPS designation
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued an 18-month designation for Ethiopia's Temporary Protected Status (TPS). DHS has stipulated only individuals already residing in the United States as of Oct. 20, 2022, would be TPS eligible. “The United States recognizes the ongoing... Read More »
More than two dozen House members push for details, and change, surrounding U.S. gun tracing backlog
A collection of 25 House members wrote to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) Director Steve Dettelbach asking for details on the agency’s gun tracing backlog and stating that a gun lobby-backed 1986 law needs to change. Led by U.S. Reps. Dina Titus (D-NV) and Bill Pascrell, Jr.... Read More »
Legislators support firearms, ammunitions businesses Merchant Category Code
A group of lawmakers recently commended three credit card companies for creating a new Merchant Category Code (MCC) for firearms and ammunition businesses. House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Chair Mike Thompson (D-CA) and U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA) spearheaded an effort by 118 members... Read More »
Bicameral Gang Activity Reporting Act seeks greater reporting on gang-related crime
In an effort to gather more information for lawmakers and law enforcement on gang-related crimes, federal lawmakers introduced the Gang Activity Reporting Act last week to both the House and Senate. "Increased crime and gang activity across the country is making us all less safe," said U.S. Rep.... Read More »
Reps. Thompson, Cicilline, Espaillat lead effort seeking ghost gun enforcement actions
U.S. Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA), David Cicilline (D-RI), and Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) have joined 135 colleagues in forwarding correspondence they said encourages strong enforcement actions against ghost guns. The legislators sent letters to President Joe Biden, U.S. Attorney General Merrick... Read More »
Sens. Peters, Portman tout passage of legislation strengthening federal workforce AI insight
U.S. Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI) and Rob Portman (R-OH) are espousing the benefits of the recent enactment of their legislation that bolsters the federal workforce’s understanding of artificial intelligence (AI). The Artificial Intelligence Training for the Acquisition Workforce Act would aid in... Read More »
Rep. Katko releases CISA fact sheet to pitch forward path for American cybersecurity
Released this week by U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY), ranking member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, a Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) 2025 fact sheet outlined his view of a roadmap for the agency’s growth over the next three years. Since its founding in 2018,... Read More »
DHS S&T initiates new baggage screening system
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) recently announced the benefits of a new, compact carry-on baggage screening system to aid smaller airports. The Reduced Form Factor-Computed Tomography (RFF-CT) system is presently being deployed at Harry... Read More »
Homeland Security Investigations launches Operation Boiling Point to target organized theft
A new effort to crackdown on organized retail crime put domestic and transnational criminal organizations in the crosshairs of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) this week, with the beginning of Operation Boiling Point. Working alongside industry partners, as well as federal, state, and... Read More »