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 (DHS) is nearly 20 years old, evolving from the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Among those present, Former Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, who led DHS from 2005 to 2009, and current National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan both emphasized the readiness of the department – the former, regarding its ability to meet threats, the latter in terms of its workforce. 

“No federal Department touches the lives of more people on a daily basis than the Department of Homeland Security, and those we serve deserve to see our government working to become more innovative, more efficient, and more responsive,” Mayorkas said. “The work of the Homeland Security Advisory Council is central to informing those efforts. Members of the HSAC include former advisors to U.S. presidents, executive leaders of national law enforcement organizations, CEOs of some of the world’s largest companies, presidents and CEOs of non-government organizations dedicated to human rights, government accountability, and community empowerment. From combatting forced labor around the world to fortifying our critical infrastructure, we cannot succeed in our mission without robust collaboration with community and private sector partners.”

Among this gathering’s events was the presentation of four reports: 

• The Supply Chain Security Subcommittee’s final report outlining DHS steps to potentially enhance security, resiliency, and efficiency for the nation’s supply chains
• The Information and Intelligence Sharing Subcommittee’s final report on steps to improve information sharing with federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector partners
• The Transparency and Open DHS Review Subcommittee’s final report on how the department can become more open and transparent
• The Homeland Security Technology and Innovation Network Subcommittee’s report outlined possible improvements to innovation, research and development, and technology networking with the private sector

In addition to these reports, Mayorkas also presented AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler as the newest member of the Council. She and the rest of the Council work to offer independent advice and recommendations to the Homeland Security secretary on domestic and international concerns.