News
Biodefense plan requires U.S. cabinet-level oversight coupled with global financial strategy
A leadership spot at the highest level in the United States government would be best positioned to harness and focus available resources and influence governors and the private sector on a common biodefense vision, a Texas A&M University (TAMU) international affairs expert said this... Read More »
House Committee advances legislative package to authorize FEMA, Coast Guard, improve employment among veterans
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee recently approved a series of bills that would provide authorizations for the Coast Guard, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Federal Maritime Commission, among other provisions. The first of six bills passed by the committee,... Read More »
Bill to reauthorize FEMA, drive down costs of disaster recovery advanced by key House Committee
A bill that seeks to address the rising costs of disaster recovery, provide additional support for first responders, and reauthorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the first time ever was recently advanced by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The... Read More »Sen. Heinrich cautions against cuts to key TSA security programs in Trump’s proposed budget
In the wake of the deadly bombing in Manchester, England, which killed 22 people and injured dozens more, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) strongly warned against President Trump’s proposed FY2018 budget cuts to critical Transportation Security Administration (TSA) programs that safeguard... Read More »
Sen. Feinstein introduces bill to keep firearms away from individuals with severe mental illness
As the third anniversary passes of the deadly Isla Vista, California shootings, which killed six people and injured 14 others, U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) introduced a bill that would allow family members to keep guns away from those who have a severe mental illness. The Gun Violence... Read More »Researchers discover how Ebola virus harms the body’s immune system, expedites lethal effects
The Ebola virus harms the body’s natural defenses by binding directly to white blood cells, which expedites the virus’ lethal effects, according to a recent study by researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB), the University of Washington, and the National... Read More »James J. Cannon named president, CEO of FLIR Systems
FLIR Systems, Inc. recently announced that James J. Cannon will succeed Andy Teich as the company’s president and CEO, effective June 19, 2017. "We are delighted to appoint a chief executive of Jim's caliber," FLIR’s Chairman of the Board Earl R. Lewis said. "Jim's proven track record of... Read More »
Bipartisan bill to enhance the nation’s domestic missile defense systems submitted to Senate
A bipartisan bill that aims to strengthen the nation’s homeland missile defense reliability and capacity was recently introduced in the Senate. The Advancing America’s Missile Defense Act was introduced by U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ted Cruz... Read More »
Rep. Hurd introduces bills to strengthen visa screening procedures, identify suspected terrorists
In the wake of the deadly bombing in Manchester, United Kingdom, which killed 22 people, U.S. Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX) introduced two separate bills that aim to prevent would-be terrorists from traveling in and out of Western countries undetected. The first bill, the Strong Visa Integrity Secures... Read More »
Sen. McCaskill questions intelligence officials on North Korea, countering homegrown terrorism
During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing this week, U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) questioned intelligence officials on countering threats from North Korean chemical weapons and potential homegrown terrorists in the United States. In speaking with Director of National Intelligence... Read More »Interpol discusses mitigating strategies for affected countries of WannaCry ransomware attack
In the wake of the international WannaCry ransomware attack, the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) recently hosted a virtual conference with officials from affected countries to discuss mitigating actions to be taken. The malicious software has reportedly infected more than... Read More »
House advances legislation to address terror threats, improve national security
Two bills that seek to improve law enforcement training and enhance information sharing in combating cyber terror threats were recently advanced by the U.S. House of Representatives. The Strengthening State and Local Cyber Crime Fighting Act of 2017, authored by U.S. Rep. John Ratcliffe... Read More »
Homeland Security releases report on nonimmigrant entry/exist overstays for FY2016
A report that details the entry and exit data among nonimmigrant visitors into the United States for FY2016 was recently released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The report specifically provides information on immigrant departures and overstays from each country for... Read More »United States, Saudi Arabia establish center to target terrorist financing networks
Officials with the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recently signed an agreement to establish a joint Terrorist Financing Targeting Center (TFTC), which seeks to address new and evolving threats related to extremist financing. U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin said the... Read More »
California border patrol agents seize 370 pounds of illicit narcotics across separate incidents
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents stationed at the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa Ports of Entry in California recently seized three separate shipments of illicit narcotics, totaling 370 pounds. The narcotics, which included 316 pounds of methamphetamine and 55 pounds of cocaine,... Read More »
New public safety working group established to focus on emerging technologies, counterterrorism response capabilities
The Security Industry Association (SIA), a trade group representing thousands of security industry leaders and companies, recently established a new Public Safety Working Group, which aims to develop plans and recommendations to improve the overall safety, security and sustainability of cities... Read More »
FirstNet provides next steps for nationwide broadband network rollout
In the weeks since AT&T was awarded a contract to develop the first nationwide broadband network for first responders, FirstNet has since been begun the process of providing each state governor with a notice of completion for the request for proposal process. While AT&T was awarded with the... Read More »
Democrats seek information on potential funding cuts for Zika-related response efforts
Democratic members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee recently requested information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on its efforts in preparing for and responding to a potential Zika virus outbreak over the summer, when mosquito populations will be at their... Read More »
Challenges hobble U.S. public health response to Zika virus
The United States appears ill-prepared to deal with a Zika virus outbreak although the nation’s federal public health agencies have learned valuable information during the last few years about the disease, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) says in a new report released on Tuesday to... Read More »
Rep. Barletta bill to improve law enforcement access to intelligence passes committee
A bill that requires the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to maintain an inventory of all sensitive compartmented information facilities (SCIFs) was recently passed by the House Committee on Homeland Security. The bill, titled the DHS Classified Facility Inventory Act, was authored by... Read More »Sandia National Labs offers unbeatable experience with Western Robotics Rodeo
Sandia National Laboratories is set to host the 11th annual Western Robotics Rodeo, where civilian and military bombs squads work to diffuse and mitigate dangerous situations in a controlled setting. The event will bring in 10 regional teams who will compete to see who can use their robots in... Read More »
Mosquitoes have the ability to transmit more than one virus in single bite, according to study
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes may also transmit other flaviviruses like Zika virus, chikungunya, and dengue fever within the course of one bite in a process called coinfection, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at Colorado State University (CSU). Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are known... Read More »Sens. Cruz, Cornyn request information on CDC’s Zika virus prevention, response efforts in Texas
U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and John Cornyn (R-TX) recently sent a public letter to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Acting Director Anne Schuchat, regarding the agency’s coordination efforts with Texas public health agencies to prepare for the heightened risk of Zika virus... Read More »
Border patrol officers seize $3.7 million worth of liquid methamphetamine
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers stationed at the Hidalgo International Bridge in Texas recently intercepted a large shipment of liquid methamphetamine valued at approximately $3.7 million. The incident occurred May 14 when a 20-year old female U.S. citizen approached the bridge... Read More »
Communications and Technology Subcommittee holds hearing on future of emergency alert systems
The House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Communications and Technology Subcommittee recently held a hearing discussing the nation’s emergency alert systems and how technological advancements could alter their future. “Outfitting first responders with the robust capabilities of broadband... Read More »
Four PNNL researchers recognized for response efforts during West African Ebola epidemic
A group of scientists at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) were recently recognized with the Secretary of Energy’s Appreciation Award for their contributions in the response efforts to the West African Ebola epidemic of 2014-2015. Katrina Waters, Mary Lancaster, Mike Spradling,... Read More »
Sens. Johnson, Schatz introduce bill to strengthen cybersecurity, promote government transparency
In the wake of the recent WannaCry ransomware attacks, U.S. Sens. Ron Johnson (R-WI) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced the Protecting Our Ability to Counter Hacking (PATCH) Act, which adds a layer of transparency and accountability to government procedures for retaining or disclosing... Read More »
Bill to address staffing shortages in CBP, Border Patrol approved by committee
A bill that addresses many of the staffing shortfalls seen at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stations was recently approved by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. The Boots on the Border Act was cosponsored by U.S. Sens. Ron Johnson (R-WI), Jeff Flake... Read More »
Sens. Carper, Harris request information regarding ICE use of private, for-profit immigration detention facilities
U.S. Sens. Tom Carper (D-DE) and Kamala Harris (D-CA) recently sent a public letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary John Kelly requesting information regarding the department’s use of privately operated immigration detention facilities. The senators’ concerns stem... Read More »
Bill to modernize, strengthen government IT systems advanced by House
A bill that seeks to reduce wasteful spending on the nation’s outdated IT systems and enhance security by expediting the government’s transition to modern technology like cloud computing was recently approved by the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill, titled the Modernizing Government... Read More »
Reps. Labrador, Goodlatte introduce bill to enhance immigration enforcement procedures
A bill to improve enforcement of the nation’s immigration laws by cracking down on sanctuary city policies was recently introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Reps. Raúl Labrador (R-ID) and Bob Goodlatte (R-VA). The Michael Davis, Jr. and Danny Oliver in Honor of State and... Read More »
Bipartisan bill introduced to allow fire departments more flexibility in hiring, training practices
A bipartisan bill to assist local fire departments in saving money and hire more trained first responders was recently introduced in the Senate by U.S. Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI) and Susan Collins (R-ME). The Firefighters Retention Act of 2017 gives fire departments the ability to use Staffing... Read More »
Reps. Richmond, Payne, Jr. request hearings to examine cybersecurity capabilities of the nation’s healthcare, lifeline sectors
In the wake of the international WannaCry ransomware attacks, U.S. Reps. Cedric Richmond (D-LA) and Donald M. Payne, Jr. (D-NJ) recently called upon the House Homeland Security Committee to hold hearings on the cybersecurity posture of the nation’s healthcare and lifeline sectors. The... Read More »
Reps. Lynch, King introduce bill to secure government-leased buildings from potential espionage
A bipartisan bill to help mitigate security risks of potential foreign government espionage by collecting beneficial ownership information prior to the federal government leasing buildings for high-security purposes was recently introduced by U.S. Reps. Stephen Lynch (D-MA) and Peter King (R-NY).... Read More »