News
Bill targets defense budget transparency, accountability
A group of lawmakers recently introduced a measure that increases defense budget transparency and accountability. U.S. Reps. Michael Burgess (R-TX), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Mark Pocan (D-WI), and Andy Biggs (R-AZ) have detailed the Audit the Pentagon Act of 2023 in the wake of the Pentagon failing... Read More »
DoD details hypersonic, strategic systems strengthening actions
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has detailed actions the agency maintains will result in strengthening hypersonic and strategic systems supply chains. The DoD indicated its Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy (OASD(IBP)), via its Office of Manufacturing... Read More »
Lockheed Martin nets $4.79B production contract from U.S. Army for GMLRS rockets
The U.S. Army awarded a max of $4.79 billion production contract to Lockheed Martin for two full-rate production lots of GMLRS Unitary and Alternative Warhead rockets and associated equipment, along with integrated logistics support. These rockets would be used by both the U.S. Army and its... Read More »
House Homeland Security Committee votes Border Reinforcement Act forward
Republicans on the House Homeland Security Committee achieved a major goal last week when they advanced the Border Reinforcement Act of 2023 (H.R. 2794) out of committee and to the House floor to revamp border security and stymie Biden administration changes. “This legislation takes a targeted... Read More »
DHS initiative seeks enhanced software supply chain
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) recently announced seven awards stemming from an innovative technologies topic call will enhance software supply chain visibility tools. S&T’s Silicon Valley Innovation Program (SVIP) issued the... Read More »
Reintroduction of MADE in America Act pushes for domestic drug manufacturing
Looking to loosen the grip of foreign nations on the pharmaceutical supply chain and favor domestic manufacturing instead, a dozen Republican representatives reintroduced the Manufacturing API, Drugs, and Excipients (MADE) in America Act last week. “The success of United States supply chain... Read More »
Reps. Garbarino, Swalwell seek insight on CISA program office goals
U.S. Reps. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) and Eric Swalwell (D-CA) recently requested details regarding the new Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) program office goals. Garbarino, chairman of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection, and Swalwell, ranking... Read More »
Briefing details effort combating civil aviation terrorist threats
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar recently briefed the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) regarding combating global civil aviation terrorist threats. The ICAO is a United Nations agency that helps 193... Read More »
Bill eyes wildland firefighter training initiative
U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) is touting the benefits of recently introduced legislation he said seeks to offer wildland firefighter training to Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center students. The Civilian Conservation Center Enhancement Act would create a pipeline for Montanans to enter into... Read More »
Bicameral TRANQ Research Act introduced to promote research, testing and more for Xylazine
Worried about the growing illicit use of the animal tranquilizer Xylazine, also known as Tranq, a group of senators and representatives introduced the TRANQ Research Act of 2023 this week to mandate the creation of new tests for its detection and improve understanding overall. In the Senate,... Read More »
Deployment of self-serve credential authentication tech at BWI Airport allows near real-time ID confirmation
In a move that may speed up processing, 36 credential authentication technology (CAT) units have now been deployed to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoints at Baltimore-Washington International (BWI)/Thurgood Marshall Airport. At the least, it has increased... Read More »
TSA awards $128M contract to Idemia for new airport security checkpoint credential authentication systems
Through an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) this week awarded an agreement worth up to $128 million to Idemia Identity and Security USA, LLC to create and maintain next-generation Credential Authentication Technology... Read More »
Measure targets bolstered southern border security
U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), current member and former chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, current Chairman Mark Green (R-TN), and GOP committee members introduced the Border Reinforcement Act of 2023, which seeks to bolster southern border security. “As chairman... Read More »
House Homeland Security Committee press for more details following FBI crackdown on Chinese-operated police stations in U.S.
After arrests were made in New York last week over an alleged illegal overseas police station, House Committee on Homeland Security chairs wrote to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for information on potential Chinese-operated stations nationwide.... Read More »
Bill seeks to stop fentanyl trafficking across U.S. border
U.S. Sens. Todd Young (R-IN), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), and eight colleagues are espousing the benefits of reintroducing the Stop Fentanyl Border Crossings Act. Specifically, the legislation adds drug smuggling as an additional basis for Title 42 immigration enforcement authority, preserving for... Read More »
Lawmakers advocate U.S.-Israel missile defense program funding
A group of 41 Senators recently advocated for $500 million to be allocated to fully fund U.S.-Israel cooperative missile defense programs in the Defense Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2024. The lawmakers have forwarded correspondence to Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman... Read More »
National Nuclear Security Administration plan calls for revitalized nuclear security, stockpiles without explosive testing
In its 2023 Stockpile Stewardship and Management Plan, recently submitted to Congress, the United States Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) called for modernization, ongoing production of warheads and plutonium pits, and better nuclear security. “The SSMP... Read More »
Combating Violent and Dangerous Crime Act proposes stronger violent crime laws nationwide
A new bill reintroduced to the Senate this week – the Combating Violent and Dangerous Crime Act – seeks to address what its Republican sponsors call ambiguity and conflicting application of existing mandates, strengthening violent crime laws in a number of areas. Attacks on law enforcement,... Read More »
Legislation introduced to provide aid for those responding to train derailments
U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Chris Deluzio (D-PA) are touting the recently introduced Assistance for Local Heroes During Train Crises Act, which seeks to aid those who respond to train derailments. “Emergency personnel that respond to devastating accidents, including train... Read More »
U.S. Commerce Department advocates climate resilience funding
The U.S. Department of Commerce recently recommended $562 million in funding for projects the agency maintains would aid communities and the economy with climate change resilience. Authorities recently outlined 149 projects across 30 coastal states and territories in accordance with the... Read More »
Measure seeks to bolster Coast Guard funding
Two legislative panels have introduced legislation that seeks to strengthen and support Coast Guard funding. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee detailed the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2023, which addresses critical... Read More »
DHS Clean Power for Hours competition seeks clean energy sourced backups for essential services
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced last week a new competition meant to tap into clean, innovative energy sources to keep essential services functioning even at times of disaster. The Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) launched the Clean Power for Hours Challenge, a... Read More »
Locked Shields: NATO hosts world’s largest cyber defense exercise for 38 countries in Estonia
More than 3,000 participants from 38 countries gathered in Tallinn, Estonia, last week for the annual Locked Shields program – the world’s largest cyber defense exercise. Under their hosts, the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense Center of Excellence (CCDCOE), NATO allies and partners, and others... Read More »
Measure seeks to address 9-1-1 personnel health, wellness issues
Reps. Norma Torres (D-CA), Robin Kelly (D-IL), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) recently introduced a bill that focuses on addressing 9-1-1 call-taker and dispatcher health and wellness concerns. The Providing Resources and Occupational Training for Emotional Crisis and Trauma (PROTECT) 911 Act... Read More »
Senate resolution commends Coast Guard border response
A group of lawmakers recently introduced a resolution commending the U.S. Coast Guard for border response and ability to adapt and respond to increased maritime threats. Officials said 17 lawmakers served as resolution co-sponsors, detailing Coast Guard efforts to safeguard the American people... Read More »
Federal support for local fire departments advances to House after Senate approval
The Fire Grants and Safety Act garnered enough votes to advance through the Senate last week, passing the question of extending federal support for local fire departments to the House, with the future of two grant programs and the United States Fire Administration (USFA) on the line. Sponsored... Read More »
DHS issues four-year Homeland Security Review of strategy for crimes, migration, nation states and more
When it debuted last week, the latest Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR) marked the four-year assessment of U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) strategies as well as more than 20 years since the Department was formed. Times have changed significantly since then, and even since... Read More »
DHS S&T offers $45M funding opportunity for new Homeland Security center in the Arctic
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) solicited colleges and universities nationwide this week with a $45 million funding opportunity, seeking proposals to guide a new Center of Excellence (COE) for Arctic operations. Funds will be offered through a... Read More »
Bill seeks to bolster funding for Caribbean Basin Security Initiative
U.S. Reps. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), and Mark Green, M.D. (R-TN) recently introduced legislation that would provide substantial Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) funding for the next five years. Specifically, the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative... Read More »
Air Force designates sites for newest fighter aircraft
Air Force personnel have selected the bases to receive two of its newest fighter aircraft. Barnes Air National Guard Base, Mass., is the preferred designated location to host the next F-35A Lightning II squadron. Additionally, per the Air Force, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New... Read More »
More than 50 Congressional lawmakers question DHS proposal to raise H-2A, H-2B visa fees
In a letter dispatched to the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) this week, 52 House members responded to a recent proposal to increase fees and processing time for H-2A and H-2B visa proposals, blasting the idea as detrimental to businesses. A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking... Read More »
Senate Homeland Security Committee holds hearing over DHS resources needed to face security threats
A hearing convened by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee this week put Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas under the spotlight, seeking answers to what his Department needs to secure and operate borders and counter threats... Read More »
DEA to host 24th National Drug Take Back Day
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is espousing the benefits of its 24th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 22. “Thanks to our local and state partners, we collected in the past event in October more than 33,500 pounds," DEA Washington Division Special Agent in Charge... Read More »
CBP signs supply chain security-focused arrangement with Guatemalan, Colombian customs administrations
This week, a tripartite agreement was reached between U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and customs administrations in Guatemala and Colombia through a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) meant to enhance trade and economic security. The groundwork for this was laid last year when the... Read More »